Chinmayi Says ‘No Possibility’ of Hema Committee or WCC in Tamil Industry: ‘It’s a Cesspool of Molesters’ | Exclusive

admin August 29, 2023

Chinmayi Sripaada, a prominent playback singer, voice artist, and activist, has been a vocal critic of the prevalent misogyny and harassment in the Tamil film industry. In a recent statement, she expressed deep frustration over the industry’s persistent issues, labeling it a “cesspool of molesters.” Her comments reflect the disheartening lack of accountability and safety measures in the Tamil film industry, where harassment often goes unpunished, and victims struggle to find justice. Chinmayi has long been at the forefront of the MeToo movement in South India. She first made headlines in 2018 when she accused prominent lyricist Vairamuthu of sexual misconduct. Her brave disclosure sparked conversations about the deeply entrenched patriarchy and the hostile environment faced by women in the Tamil film industry. However, rather than receiving support, Chinmayi faced severe backlash, including being blacklisted from the industry. Her experience reflects the unfortunate reality faced by many women who speak out against sexual harassment in the entertainment world—they often become targets of victim-blaming and professional ostracization. Despite the adversity, Chinmayi has continued to advocate for safer and more equitable working conditions for women in the industry. To understand the gravity of Chinmayi’s statements, it’s important to look at the broader context of similar movements and organizations in other regional industries. The Hema Committee, established in 2017, was a significant step towards addressing sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry. Following the high-profile case involving actress Bhavana, the Kerala government formed the committee, headed by actress Hema, to investigate and recommend measures to improve the working conditions for women in the industry. Another crucial player in this battle has been the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an organization founded by women from the Malayalam film industry, including actress Parvathy Thiruvothu and director Anjali Menon. The WCC has been actively advocating for gender equality and the rights of women working in cinema. They have taken bold stances against harassment, pushed for systemic changes, and ensured that women’s voices are heard in an industry dominated by men. Both the Hema Committee and WCC have highlighted the critical need for structural reforms to combat the toxic culture of harassment and abuse that pervades the film industry. They serve as models of how organized efforts can create a safer working environment for women in cinema, although progress is often slow and met with resistance. Chinmayi’s recent remarks point to the absence of such protective bodies in the Tamil film industry. She expressed her disillusionment by stating that there is no possibility of a Hema Committee or an equivalent of the WCC in the Tamil industry. This, according to her, is due to the powerful cliques that protect offenders and prevent any meaningful change. Her statement, “It’s a cesspool of molesters,” encapsulates her deep frustration with an industry that she believes is fundamentally broken. Unlike in Kerala, where the WCC has made considerable progress, the Tamil industry has not seen a similar collective effort to address these issues. The resistance to change is strong, and the culture of impunity for offenders remains entrenched. One of the most disturbing aspects highlighted by Chinmayi is the culture of silence that permeates the industry. Many victims of harassment fear speaking out due to the potential repercussions, including losing work opportunities and facing public slander. This atmosphere of fear enables perpetrators to continue their behavior unchecked, further perpetuating a cycle of abuse.

Moreover, Chinmayi points out that those in positions of power often close ranks to protect each other. This culture of shielding offenders is not unique to the Tamil industry but is particularly pronounced due to the lack of organized advocacy groups and institutional support for victims. The lack of legal recourse and accountability mechanisms further exacerbates the problem. Despite India’s stringent laws against sexual harassment at the workplace, enforcement in the entertainment industry remains weak. There is often no clear path for victims to report harassment or seek redress without facing personal and professional risks. Many production houses and film bodies in Tamil Nadu have failed to implement the guidelines set forth by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. The absence of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in many organizations means that victims have nowhere to turn when incidents occur. Even when ICCs are in place, they often lack the impartiality needed to deliver justice. Chinmayi’s comments underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how the Tamil film industry addresses harassment and abuse. There needs to be a systemic overhaul that prioritizes the safety and dignity of all workers, especially women. This would involve not only setting up formal mechanisms like ICCs but also fostering a cultural change that does not tolerate harassment. The creation of an independent body, similar to the WCC, dedicated to advocating for women’s rights within the industry could be a step forward. Such a collective could provide a platform for victims to speak out, offer legal support, and push for policy changes. It could also work towards educating industry professionals about consent, respect, and the legal implications of harassment. Public figures, including actors, directors, and producers, have a crucial role to play in changing the narrative. Many influential personalities in the Tamil industry have remained silent on issues of harassment, further enabling the status quo. However, those who have a platform must use it to call out bad behavior and support initiatives that aim to make the industry safer. Support from male allies, in particular, could have a significant impact. When influential men in the industry take a stand against harassment, it sends a powerful message that such behavior will no longer be tolerated. Creating a supportive environment where victims feel safe to report abuse without fear of reprisal is key to breaking the cycle of silence.