Karnataka film body holds meet with women artistes on harassment concerns

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Monday held a meeting with women artistes to discuss the rising cases of sexual abuse and harassment in the Kannada film industry.
The meeting, chaired by Karnataka Women’s Commission Chairperson, Nagalakshmi, was aimed at coming to a consensus on what should be the next course of action to check the wrongdoing against women in the industry.
Notable figures such as actors Bhavana, Sanjjana Galrani and director Kavita Lankesh attended the meeting and shared their thoughts and experiences. The meeting focused on the widespread issues of sexual harassment and other forms of abuse that women endure in the film industry.
The discussion, however, revealed a divided stance. One faction advocated for the creation of a separate association dedicated to women artistes, proposing that complaints of abuse be handled by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) committee. They also emphasised that to implement POSH, the film industry must first come under the purview of the Employment Act.
On the other hand, another faction expressed their preference for maintaining the current union structure, suggesting that grievances should be handled directly by union heads or law enforcement.
Those in favour of preserving the union model argued that government-backed incentives and facilities for the industry were of greater importance.
In light of the differing opinions, Nagalakshmi assured the attendees that today’s meeting was “just the beginning”. She also assured a detailed survey, ensuring that respondents’ identities would remain confidential. “Only after gathering anonymous feedback will we decide on concrete actions,” Nagalakshmi said after the meeting.
Meanwhile, actor Sanjjana Galrani voiced her concerns, urging for the establishment of a POSH Act tailored to the film industry.
“There needs to be greater awareness, especially among young women, about individuals who misrepresent themselves as producers or directors. Many women have fallen victim to false promises. Who will take responsibility for verifying these so-called producers?” she asked.
She, however, expressed confidence in the state’s commitment to safety, praising the industry for being predominantly safe. “The Karnataka film industry is 98 per cent good. It’s the 1-2 per cent that needs to be tackled,” she added.
Speaking to reporters, director Kavita Lankesh claimed that women were being harassed in the film industry and then forced to shake hands with the accused. She also called for a monitoring committee headed by a retired judge or a woman activist.
“It’s a male-dominated industry. But the women’s commission chairperson heard about our problems. The men in the industry say that there is no problem at all. A woman is molested or harassed, and then she has to shake hands with the accused. I think this is the most atrocious thing that can happen to her,” she said.
“Therefore, we want a committee not with us but with somebody like a retired judge or maybe a woman activist. Some people from the KFCC and the film industry can be a part of it,” she added.