Actors Kishore and Chetan demand committee inquiry into sexual abuse in “Sandalwood”

Kannada actors Chetan and Kishore Kumar are among the many who have signed the petition urging the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government to form a committee and investigate the sexual assault cases in the Kannada film industry, also known as Sandalwood. This comes in the wake of the Hema Committee report that exposed cases of sexual assault in the Malayalam film industry. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Chetan and Kishore Kumar explained why they signed the petition and what they expect from the government.

It was the Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE) organisation that took the initiative and wrote a letter urging the Karnataka government to investigate cases of sexual assault in the Kannada film industry.

Chetan Ahimsa, who serves as the Secretary of FIRE, told India Today exclusively, “Since 2017, Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE) has been fighting to make the film industry, our Kannada film industry, an equal, safe environment for all genders, especially women and transgenders. In 2017, we formed the first Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in the film industry and in the country. In 2018, we stood by the survivors of Me-Too when they were victims of character assassination, when they were targeted by powerful, patriarchal [people, those with] Self-interest, connected people in positions of power.”

He added: “We have to remember that there was a lot of headwind back then. There was a lot of resistance inside and outside the industry back then. But over the years, as many industries struggled in the same way, [it has lessened].”

Chetan also praised the efforts of Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) and said, “Speaking of WCC, we respect what WCC has done in Kerala and we also respect the fact that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government has actively endorsed the Hema Committee report which was examined by a judge. We don't like a delay of five years but we respect it. The government is taking the initiative.”

So what is FIRE's demand? Chetan said, “We request the Siddaramaiah government, the Congress government, which talks so hypocritically about defending the Constitution, to also provide justice to 50 percent of the population, women, and make our Kannada film industry a model industry for the society, the nation and the world.”

Actor Kishore Kumar, who has worked in popular projects like Kantara and the TV series She, is one of the actors who signed the petition. He told India Today, “The problem is everywhere. It is not really the instigation, the inspiration came from the Malayalam industry. I have signed the petition. The initiators deserve credit for rising to the occasion and raising their voice when it was really needed. This was needed for a long time and they have done it better than ever.”

When asked if artistes are being exploited in Sandalwood, Kishore told us, “Of course, it happens in every other film industry too. Wherever there is power, there are people who abuse it and exploit people who come to work. Wherever you go, even in the software industry or even in politics, it is the people who abuse their power. So not everyone is able to handle such a situation or in a position to handle such a situation. So it is difficult. People cannot speak out right now for many reasons. This is an opportunity for them to at least raise their voice collectively. Approach the government and see what is possible through laws or policies. So it is a try.”

The Hema Committee report brought to light horrifying stories of sexual assaults that are rampant in the Malayalam film industry. Complaints were filed against several actors. The report also prompted the Mohanlal-led Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to resign from its post.