Timeline Exclusive: "Disturbing" That No Other Industries Respond To Hema Committee, Says Lakshmi Manchu (image @LakshmiManchu)

Actress and film producer, Lakshmi Manchu said it is “disturbing” that no other industries are coming forth in support of the Hema Committee report that has been released recently, which revealed horrendous experiences that the women, and junior artists in the Malayalam industry has to go through. In an exclusive interview with Timeline, Lakshmi Manchu opens about the experiences, and difference she felt while working in different film industries including Hollywood.

You have been in US and did some great shows like Las Vegas, Boston, and Desperate Housewives. What made you come back?

I question myself why did I ever come back? Being an Indian woman, and also connected to your family, at some point in your life you feel like, chalo, lets come back home. Although for me it was coming for my brother’s wedding, and getting stuck literally, it was not a conscious decision, but something that is decided on the go

In one of your recent interviews, you opened up about being the victim of patriarchy? How exactly did your family appears to be a “roadblock” in your career?

I think being a woman in this country is a big road block for your career. You not only have to work through the patriarchy, but how the society views women, and what are the dos and don’ts. Only women have this dos and don’ts than men. But those are challenges that you are willing to fight through. Either you succumb or wake up and say I question this and this doesn’t feel right. I come from the second category of people.

Speaking about the Hema Committee and happenings that followed in the Malayalam industry. How do you perceive the situation?

Hema committee is something I completely applaud and Malayalam film industry is far ahead compared to all the other industries, because they were the first ones to come out and put this report out. I perceive that all the other film industry should come out with similar committee and ensue that can create us a safer environment for women across all industries.

In one of your interviews, you said you have been pushed over, but stood your grounds? How did you manage to stand up to such challenges?

As I said earlier, you are constantly pushed. People do push you around to see how much you can be pushed around. But at some point, you need to hold your grounds, and that only happens when you realise who you are and what you want in your life, whatever little or big that may be. But saying it out loud is a power within. As woman we are always being silenced. It’s like what else can happen. You know pushed around doesn’t work anymore for you. When they push you around you don’t move because you are strong from within.

The horrendous experience faced by women in the industry came out because of the Hema Committee. Do you believe such initiations should happen in other film industries as well?

The horrendous experience of Hema committee is not just in Malayalam industry or film industry for that matter. I believe it happens across all industries. We should all take a page out of what Hema Committee did, and let this be a wake-up call for all industries, not just film industry. All industries need to stand up and create a booklet or flyer saying what are these safe working environment, and workshops need to be conducted across all borders.

Have you ever faced any such challenges while working in Hollywood?

Why are we going all the way to Hollywood, people in all woods try to see if they can you know make advances at you in their naïve, over smart thinking that they think they can get to you. You just need to be smarter than them and learn how to say no and f*** off.

What is the difference between Indian cinema and Hollywood on how women are treated?

I think the difference is that the women in Hollywood, although afraid, tend to find their voice. It is disturbing that ever since the Hema committee came out, no other industry has really come out and said this is what happens. I thought people would have found more strength to do so. But in America, with one woman coming and speaking spiraled into this complete movement of ‘Me Too’, and gave more women voices to speak and hold their ground. I really hoped that would happen in India, but I am still waiting.

You have worked with Mohanlal in Monster. How was the experience?

When I worked in Monster with Mohanlal Ji, it was one of the most amazing experiences I really had. I think Malayalam technicians and artists are far beyond Bollywood as well in terms of their understanding cinema and storytelling. So, it was a brilliant experience for me.

Do you believe power groups exist in film industries, both in Indian cinemas and English?

Of course I believe in power groups. There are power groups that exist everywhere. The big fat Indian wedding. What was that if it wasn’t an exhibit of the power you have. So everybody with a little bit name and fame wants to show their power around. So now, who are these power groups lets talk about it.

Is there any projects that you are eagerly waiting to happen? And what are your takeaways from your career so far?

I just moved to Bombay so I feel like my career is just starting to take off all over yet again. And there are quite a few south projects in terms of Telugu and Tamil that I am awaiting release. When it’s time, I will make most noise and telling you guys. Thank you.