Actress-politician Khushbu Sundar recently said that every industry that hires women should have a report or commission like the Hema Committee report. In an exclusive conversation with IndiaToday.in, she defended the silence of many from the film industry on social media, saying, “Actors don’t have a responsibility to respond on social media.” Khushbu also stressed on the need for women to stand up for themselves.

Khushboo said, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. This happens in every industry. We need the Hema Committee report, there should be a commission in every department where women work.”

She further added, “The cinema industry is a very small industry which is not recognised by the Indian government even though it is the biggest money-making industry. But women face such abuse in many fields. We need to create committees where women can actually come and speak up.”

Khushboo, who has been active in cinema since the age of eight, stressed the need for stronger measures and cultural change to better protect and support women in the industry.

Khushbu acknowledged that not all incidents of harassment and abuse happen everywhere, but women must speak up and defend themselves against indecent proposals. “A woman should be independent. At no point should she compromise or adjust,” she said. She stressed that compromising once can leave permanent scars, both emotionally and psychologically.

The actress, who is a former member of the National Commission for Women (NCW), also highlighted the challenges faced by women in filing complaints. “Many a times, the only question asked to the victim is ‘what did you do to lure him?’ Instead, the question should be ‘how dare that man ask for such indecent favours?'” She emphasised that a thorough investigation is a must and anonymity often does not serve justice. “Name the person instead of anonymity because that is not going to help anyone,” she said.

Regarding the current buzz about singer Chinmayi, who has faced difficulties in her career due to the legal battle, Khushbu expressed her sympathies. “I hope she gets justice and a thorough investigation takes place,” she said. The actor-politician reiterated that talent should be the primary criterion for success, and not compromising one’s values.

Khushbu pointed to a broader issue about whether the Tamil Nadu government should set up a committee similar to the Hema committee. “My biggest problem is that the Indian government does not officially recognise the film industry,” she said. She demanded official recognition given the industry’s significant contribution and the employment it provides.

Khushbu also commented on the criticism of industry stars for not expressing their support or commenting on the Hema Committee report, arguing that many social media users are not genuinely interested in the issues they criticise.

Khushbu said, “We are not accountable to the people on social media, because 99% of them don’t have real faces or real names. Actors don’t have the responsibility to respond on social media. How many of them stood up and supported a woman’s cause? Every day a woman is raped. How many of them stood up when a girl was molested on the street? The same people who are sitting on social media turn their backs.”

Khushbu Sundar advises victims of harassment to speak up immediately. “When someone makes you feel uncomfortable, you need to speak up immediately. Delaying it will only lead to long-lasting trauma,” she warns.

Explaining the solution, Sundar highlighted the importance of changing mindsets from a young age. “While raising your sons, teach them how women should be treated. If a boy sees violence against his mother and stays silent, he may grow up thinking that such behaviour is acceptable,” he advised. “You cannot allow a woman to suffer pain and say it is okay because the family needs to stay united,” he added.

For those wishing to file a complaint, Sundar outlined the resources available. “You have the National Commission for Women and state women’s commissions, which ensure confidentiality and conduct thorough investigations,” she said. “Even if you don’t want to go to the commission, learn to stand up for yourself.”

Sundar concluded by affirming the overall safety of women in the Tamil cinema industry. “It is a very safe industry, with supportive co-stars and a generally positive atmosphere. However, one dead fish can contaminate the entire pond. The cinema industry is one of the safest and most beautiful industries one can get into,” he said.