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

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

Speaking exclusively to India Today, Chetan Ahimsa, who serves as the secretary of FIRE, said, “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 started the first Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in the film industry and the country. In 2018, we stood with Me Too survivors when they were being character assassinated, when they were being victim-shamed and victim-blamed by powerful, patriarchal (people with vested interests).”

“Now we must remember that there was a lot of opposition at that time. There was a lot of opposition at that time, both from within and outside the industry. But over the years, with many industries fighting the same thing (it has subsided),” he said.

Chethan also praised the efforts of Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) and said, “Talking about WCC – we respect the work done by WCC in Kerala, and we also respect the fact that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government has proactively approved the Hema Committee report, which was considered by a judge. We don’t like the five-year delay, but we respect the government taking the initiative.”

So, what is FIRE’s demand? Chetan said, “We demand the Siddaramaiah government, which pretends to be the protector of the Constitution, to give justice to 50 per cent of the population, women, and make our Kannada film industry a model industry for society, nation and the world.”

Actor Kishore Kumar, who has been a part of popular projects like ‘Kantara’ and TV series ‘She’, is one of the actors who signed the petition. Speaking to India Today, he said, “The problem is everywhere. It’s not really a provocation, the inspiration came from the Malayalam industry. I have signed the petition. Those who started it – thanks to them for rising to the occasion and speaking up when it was really needed. It was needed for a very long time, they have done it better than anyone else.”

When asked if artistes are exploited in Sandalwood, Kishore told us, “Of course, it is happening in every other film industry. It seems wherever there is power, there are people who misuse it and exploit people who come to work; wherever you go, whether in the software industry or politics, there are people who are misusing power. So not everyone will be able to handle such a situation or will not be in a position to handle such a situation. So it is difficult. People cannot speak up right now for many reasons. This is an opportunity for them to speak up, at least collectively. Approach the government, see what is possible through legislation or a political bill. So this is an effort.”

The Hema Committee report has exposed horrific stories of sexual harassment that prevails in the Malayalam film industry. Complaints have been filed against several actors. The report led to the Mohanlal-led Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) resigning from its post.