Bengali actor accuses Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith of ‘misbehaviour’
Bengali actress Srilekha Mitra has accused famous Malayalam director Ranjith of misbehavior, increasing the troubles of the Pinarayi Vijayan government. These allegations have come amid the demand for action against harassment in the Malayalam film industry.
A Bengali actor (Sreelekha Mitra) has levelled allegations of misconduct against eminent Malayalam film director and state-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman Ranjith, triggering fresh trouble for the Pinarayi Vijayan government, which is under fire from the Opposition over its alleged inaction on the Justice Hema Committee report.
The report had revealed cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry, following which demands were made for action against the culprits.
The filmmaker has reportedly rejected Mitra’s allegations and said that he is the ‘real victim’ in the case.
The CPI, a key LDF constituent, is among those demanding a probe into the allegations levelled by Bengali actress Srilekha Mitra, who recalled an incident from years ago in the backdrop of the furore created by the Justice Hema Committee findings.
“The person concerned (Ranjith) is a big name in the Malayalam film industry and a National Award-winning director. I had gone to his residence to discuss an upcoming film project and I did not like his behaviour. He said some things in a sly manner and made me feel uncomfortable when we were discussing the script,” Mitra told PTI in Kolkata.
He did so without her consent, and she expressed her disapproval very clearly.
She said, “I immediately conveyed my decision not to be a part of the project, left from there and came back to Kolkata the next day.”
She added, “I don’t know if he has treated other female artistes in the film industry in a similar way. If they have faced a similar situation, it is up to them to speak up or not. His power and influence may have prompted others to keep quiet.”
Mitra said that she has not had any such experience in the Bengali cinema industry, but similar situations can happen with other female artists as well. Such women should muster courage and speak their mind without any fear.
Mitra said, “The Kerala incident happened many years ago… But it is heartening that women are now speaking out, holding rallies with more passion and conviction against any kind of abuse and I am waiting for the day when the number of incidents of sexual abuse, misbehaviour will reduce and women will not have to hear such painful stories.”
Many people in Kerala demanded that Ranjit resign from the post of Film Academy President. Many people, including renowned filmmaker Dr. Biju, came out against Ranjit.
While the opposition Congress said it expected Ranjith to resign as chairman of the film academy, the BJP said he had no moral right to continue in the post.
CPI national leader Annie Raja urged the government to investigate into Mitra’s allegations and demanded that Ranjit be kept away from office during the investigation.
Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian assured that the government will not protect any wrongdoer.
He said in a post on Facebook on Saturday that if the allegations against Ranjeet are proved then action will definitely be taken against him.
He had earlier told the media that Ranjeet is one of the reputed filmmakers of the country and he has already responded to the actor’s allegations.
He said, “The allegations made by the actress and the reply given by Ranjit are before us. If she has any complaint, she should come here and file a complaint. After that we will take action as per the law.”
Cherian said that a case cannot be registered merely on the basis of allegations and such cases will not stand.
He underlined the government’s support to women facing harassment at workplaces and said strict action would be taken against wrongdoers.
Health Minister Veena George said the actress would be provided all facilities and assistance to lodge a complaint against the director.
He said, “If she wants to go ahead with the complaint, the government will provide all the facilities for it. The government’s stand in this matter is clear. The Chief Minister has already made it clear that the government will not protect those who do wrong.”
Higher Education Minister R Bindu said action would be taken after understanding the facts of the case and he hoped the government would do so since a woman had made such a complaint.
Sharing similar views, Women’s Commission chairperson P. Sathidevi said she came to know about the allegations against the actress through the media and if it is proved true, Ranjith should resign from the post of chairman of the academy.
Opposition leader VD Satheeshan also said Ranjith was an acclaimed director who had contributed many good films to the Malayalam film industry.
“As a friend and brother, I request him to step down from the post of chairman of the film academy. I think he will step down from his current responsibility,” the Congress leader told reporters.
BJP State chief K. Surendran attacked Cherian and Ranjith and said both of them should resign.
“Ranjith has no moral right to continue in the post. A victim herself has filed the complaint. She has made the allegation publicly before the society,” he said at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram.
He accused Cherian of challenging the country’s legal system by defending Ranjith.
Annie Raja said that the actress has made the allegation and also named the accused person.
He said, “So the government should investigate it and take action based on that. While such investigation is being conducted, he should be kept away from the post of Akademi chairman.” The legal system allows him to return to the same post if the allegations are proven wrong.
