'Adjustments' 'Compromises': Hema Committee Report On 'Casting Couch'
The Kerala government has released the highly anticipated Hema Committee Report, which delves into the troubling issue of sexual exploitation and the casting couch culture within the Malayalam film industry. Unveiled on August 19, the report sheds light on the pervasive sexual harassment faced by women in the industry, revealing a deeply entrenched system of exploitation that targets newcomers and established actresses alike. This article summarises the key findings of the report, which highlight the systemic nature of these abuses, the secrecy surrounding them, and the stark differences between the film industry and other professions regarding workplace safety and respect for women.
A Culture of ‘Adjustments’ and ‘Compromises’
The Hema Committee Report underscores a disturbing reality: in the Malayalam film industry, the demand for sexual favours is often a prerequisite for women seeking roles. The terms “adjustments” and “compromises” have become common parlance, indicating the expectation that women must be willing to engage in sexual activities to secure their place in the industry. The report reveals that this pressure comes from various quarters, including actors, producers, directors, and production controllers, who prey on aspiring actresses and newcomers.
One witness recounted how the process typically begins with an audition call from a social media advertisement. Once the woman expresses interest, she is contacted and informed that she is suitable for the role, but with a caveat—she must be willing to “compromise” and “adjust” to secure the part. This practice has led to a widespread belief within the industry that women who succeed owe their achievements to their willingness to comply with these demands. This toxic culture creates a hostile environment where women are trapped and exploited, often before they even realise the gravity of their situation.
The report highlights that this issue is not just limited to isolated incidents but is a systemic problem ingrained in the very fabric of the industry. It points out that the industry perpetuates the idea that women enter the film industry solely for monetary gain, thus justifying the exploitation they face. This misconception is further amplified by the secrecy maintained by victims, who fear the repercussions of speaking out, both professionally and personally.
Women in Cinema Collective: A Platform for Disclosure
The formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has been a significant turning point in addressing these issues. The report notes that it was only after the establishment of the WCC that women in the industry began to openly share their experiences of sexual harassment. The WCC provided a safe space for women to discuss their struggles without fear of judgment or retaliation. Through WhatsApp group chats, women were able to disclose their experiences, fostering a sense of solidarity and support among them.
Before the WCC’s formation, many women suffered in silence, unable to confide even in their families due to the stigma associated with the film industry. The report highlights that the WCC’s confidential platform has been crucial in breaking the silence and bringing these issues to the forefront. It also emphasises that while consensual relationships may exist, the majority of women are unwilling to engage in sexual activities to advance their careers. The report includes testimonies from women who were forced to reject roles, sacrificing their dreams due to the pressure to compromise their integrity.
Despite the WCC’s efforts, the report acknowledges that the industry remains a dangerous place for women, where sexual harassment is rampant and often goes unchecked. The report calls for continued support for platforms like the WCC and for the creation of more spaces where women can safely report abuse.
Exploitation Normalised and Perpetrated
The report paints a bleak picture of an industry where sexual exploitation has been normalised to the extent that it is almost expected. Witnesses revealed that men in the industry often assume that women who perform intimate scenes on screen are willing to engage in similar acts off-screen. This assumption emboldens perpetrators, who make open demands for sex without fear of repercussions, even when their advances are met with resistance.
The report also includes evidence provided by witnesses, such as video and audio clips and screenshots of WhatsApp messages, which corroborate the claims of sexual demands being made as a condition for entry into the industry. These demands are not only demeaning but also create a hostile work environment where women are constantly on guard, fearing for their safety.
One particularly shocking revelation was that some women have witnessed mothers condoning such practices, believing it to be a necessary evil for their daughters’ success. This further perpetuates the cycle of exploitation, as younger women are led to believe that surrendering to these demands is the only way to achieve their dreams. The report underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to protect future generations from falling into the same traps.
Cinema vs. Other Professions: A Stark Contrast
The Hema Committee Report draws a clear distinction between the film industry and other professions regarding workplace safety and the treatment of women. It highlights that while sexual harassment exists in various fields, the nature of exploitation in the film industry is uniquely pervasive and starts even before women enter the workplace. The report contrasts this with other professions, such as teaching, medicine, and engineering, where job opportunities are based on merit and qualifications rather than sexual favours.
The report details how women in the film industry often feel unsafe going to work without a chaperone, as they are frequently subjected to unwanted advances. Unlike in other professions, where women can confidently walk into their offices, actresses and other female workers in the cinema are constantly on edge, fearing for their safety. The report cites numerous instances of women being harassed in their accommodations, with men in the industry banging on their doors late at night, often under the influence of alcohol. This behaviour starkly contrasts with the experiences of women in other fields, who do not have to navigate such a hostile work environment.
