Tamil actors’ union to ban sex offenders from industry for five years

GSICC to ban sex offenders from Tamil cinemas for five years. (Wikimedia)

The Nadigar Sangam, the union representing film, television and stage actors in Tamil Nadu, has taken a strong stand against sexual harassment in the Tamil film industry. Following a meeting of the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee on Wednesday, September 4, the Tamil actors’ body passed a resolution to ban sex offenders and provide comprehensive support to victims.

As part of this resolution, the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) will provide legal assistance to those who file complaints of sexual harassment. It will investigate the complaints thoroughly. If the allegations are proven, it will recommend strict measures, including a five-year ban on the actors from the Tamil film industry.

The Nadigar Sangam will work with the producers association to ensure that these penalties are enforced.

To streamline the process for victims, Nadigar Sangam has also set up a special telephone number and a new email address specifically for filing complaints related to sexual misconduct.

Furthermore, the actors’ association advised victims to approach the GSICC directly instead of taking their case to the media, so that complaints could be dealt with in a structured and confidential manner.

The GSICC resolution also includes a provision for issuing initial warnings to alleged perpetrators. If the conduct continues or the complaint is justified, further measures are taken to hold the offender accountable.

The Tamil actors’ association stressed that by banning sex offenders, they want to create a safer environment for women in the industry and ensure that justice is done.

Also read: Radikaa Sarathkumar calls for commission to investigate sexual exploitation in Tamil cinema

Expands support to regions other than Tamil cinema

In addition, Nadigar Sangam expanded its support beyond sector-specific issues to include support for people who wish to file complaints about inappropriate or harmful content on YouTube channels.

This decisive action follows similar developments in Kerala, where the Justice Hema Committee report exposed widespread sexual exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. The report led to a wave of complaints, with the Kerala police filing FIRs against prominent actors and directors, including Mukesh, Siddique, Jayasurya and Ranjith.

The revelations in Kerala raised concerns in the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Some female actors in the Tamil and Telugu industries made similar allegations. In response, the Nadigar Sangam took swift action and called a meeting of its GSICC to address the issue.

Vishal, the General Secretary of Nadigar Sangam, assured that any woman with complaints of sexual abuse could approach the commission and the Sangam would ensure that justice was done.

A few days ago, Vishal announced that a special Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) would be set up within the next 10 days to monitor cases of sexual harassment and exploitation within the industry. As promised, they set up the GSICC to ensure that complaints are addressed promptly and adequately.

The Nadigar Sangam leadership, comprising Chairman Nassar, Secretary Vishal and Treasurer Karthi, promised to take all necessary measures to protect professionals in the sector from harassment and exploitation.

By providing legal support and imposing strict penalties on offenders, the association aims to create a safer working environment for all its members.

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A ripple effect

Recently, after the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, leading Tamil actor Radikaa Sarathkumar called for the formation of a similar commission to look into sexual harassment and exploitation of women in Tamil cinema.

Interestingly, actor Jiiva was criticized for denying that sexual abuse only happens in Malayalam cinema and not in the Tamil film industry. Singer Chinmayi Sripada took to social media to lash out at the actor for his remarks.

Earlier, superstar Rajinikanth made headlines when he stated that he was not aware of the Hema committee report.

Meanwhile, actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Lakshmi Manchu, director Nandini Reddy and television presenters Jhansi and Suma took to social media to urge the Telangana government to make public the two-year-old sub-committee report on sexual harassment in Telugu cinemas.

More than 80 women from the Telugu film and television industry came together in 2019 to form a support group called “The Voice of Women”, modelled on the Women in Cinema Collective of Malayalam cinema.

The Voice of Women aims to implement gender awareness programs and gain support for victims of exploitation and intimidation.

(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)