Tamil actor and producer Vishal has spoken about the need for measures to protect women in the Tamil film industry. In an exclusive interview with India Today, he said women should slap the perpetrators and immediately complain if any untoward incident happens to them. He also said the actors’ union in Tamil Nadu, Nadigar Sangam, will set up a redressal forum to help every female artiste and give them a platform to register their complaints.

Vishal said, “This is not only happening in the film industry, but in every industry. Mistreatment of women is becoming a common thing these days. Women and girls have to go through many unpleasant situations. Many women do not speak openly. Necessary action should be taken on these complaints and the report of the Hema Committee.”

He also claimed, “The authenticity of these complaints should also be investigated. Some people may make false allegations for publicity.”

Advising women on how they should react when they face harassment, Vishal said, “If someone raises his hand on you, hit him with a chappal. He will stop doing it. He will never think of touching a woman again. And come forward immediately. Don’t take so many years to lodge your complaint. What is there to worry about? What are you scared of? The police will take necessary action as soon as you lodge a complaint.”

She further added, “If you allow a man to touch you, it will be a reaction. It can be consensual or out of fear. If you feel you are about to be molested, come out and say what you want or slap them.”

Vishal told us, “Women hesitate to complain thinking about their existence. They think what the man will do to their future and their family.” He also admitted that many people compromise to make it in the film industry. He elaborated, “Many people want to come in the film industry, but many don’t get a chance. They have no other option to get a chance. It is a pathetic situation.”

Vishal also said that criminals should not be shown any leniency. He claimed, “The law should be strict. Such people go to jail and come out in 10 days and continue their activities.” He further said, “Can something like this happen in Saudi Arabia? If this had happened in Saudi Arabia, the situation would have been different for a man.”

He pointed out the steps being taken by the actors’ association following the Hema committee report. “The Nadigar Sangam has decided to form a committee and ensure that any woman who wants to lodge a complaint has a redressal forum. Some of them have no place to go with their complaints,” Vishal told us. He concluded, “The committee will look into the issues faced by women, aspiring actors, top actors and everyone. We are going to take it seriously. We have to give protection to our fraternity.”

Vishal was last seen in the film ‘Rathnam’. The film is currently streaming on Prime Video.