"Correction Is Not The Only Solution": Prashant Alexander On The Hema Committee Report (Facebook image @ Alexander Prasanth)

Speaking about the Hema Committee Report, and the raucous it caused in the Malayalam film industry, actor Prashant Alexander said there should be an explosion for things to change. Opening up about mishaps happened in his personal and professional life, the actor said nothing can be dismissed as a joke, and correction is not the only solution to rectify the mistakes.

Speaking to ABC Cine Media, touched upon the sensitive topics that has been circulating ever since the revelation of the report. Sharing his personal experience while he was a kid, the actor explains why it is difficult for the victims to speak up.

Recalling an incident when he was in school, Prashant said since he was a chubby boy, seniors in the school, with whom he shared class during examination, made fun of him. He said he was terrified to go to the class, and was even more afraid to speak about the situation to his parents or teachers, thinking about the aftermaths.

He said, the individuals who are experiencing such experiences and unwanted approaches might be terrified to speak up, as it might be first time they are ever facing such situations. Prashant said there should be a clear system in the film industry, (or any industry), where people should be able to voice their inconveniences, and the government should ensure proper measures and methods to follow in the industry, including the working hours of actors.

Also Read: Let The Court Decide Punishment: Mammootty’s First Reaction On Hema Committee Report

Sharing his experience in working in a Hindi film, the actor pointed out there is a lack of professionalism in the Malayalam industry. He said “In Bombay, the casting agencies are the casting agencies. They are the ones who cast everything except the main characters. Those agencies are so powerful. The license of the casting director was revoked after a complaint was received that he misbehaved with a woman. There is a system in place for this”.

He said the Hema Committee points out that there is a lack of professionalism, and the industry should reach that level soon. He said correction is not the only form to rectify the mistakes, and a proper system, which monitors the happenings, and a space to open up with fear, should be brought.

Also Read: “Paid Me Rs 10,000 For Silence”: Writer Accuses Director VK Prakash Of Sexual Assault

He denied the alleged existence of “Power Group” in the industry. He said such things cannot happen in Malayalam industry, and asked how many of the star kids do you see in the industry. He said people might want to find themself at peace for the lack of opportunity of career growth by attributing the blame to someone else.

The Hema Committee was established in 2017 to investigate the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry, especially in the wake of a sexual assault case involving actor Dileep. The committee was chaired by retired High Court judge Justice Hema, along with veteran actor Sharada and former IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari.

This Man Deserves Appreciation

Well Explained #PrasanthAlexander#MalayalamCinema#HemaCommittee #HemaCommitteeReport pic.twitter.com/N8IHELRpDt

— AB George (@AbGeorge_) September 1, 2024