It is easy for outsiders to say that these women don’t have to be in the film industry or that they can always say no, but if that’s their chosen profession, should they be forced to ignore sexual predators?
In the film industry, they call it “compromise” without the faintest trace of irony. Maybe the word assuages some of the guilt in the man and the humiliation of the woman, for what is, more often than not, a quid pro quo. If you want to get work in films, compromise is part of the deal. Everyone knows about it, but nobody talks about it, except in salacious gossipy whispers — which filmmaker or star called which female actor to which hotel room. It is also true that when they find no other way to get into the movies, women (and men) are willing to take that offer of compromise and live with the consequences.
The Hema Committee report on sexual exploitation in the Malayalam industry came as a surprise to nobody; even now, very few women are willing to talk about their experiences, because they will be judged for their morals, not the man who took advantage of his power.
The Mumbai film industry’s Producers’ Guild had set up a committee back in 2018 to address the issue of sexual harassment in the industry. It was a progressive and well-intentioned move in an industry notorious for its disrespect towards women. The A-list women actors may be spared the propositioning, but there are women in less privileged positions — the junior artistes, the dancers — who are easy prey. But if they complain, the male establishment will gang up against them, brand them as troublemakers and make sure they do not get work again. Many of these women support their families and do not have the skills for other jobs — they cannot afford to lose their livelihoods.
It is an accepted part of society — not just the film industry — that the men who have wealth and clout will exploit the powerless. The film industry gets a worse reputation because women start working in the field before others enter the workforce in large numbers in other lines of work. And since most departments in the film industry — unions notwithstanding — are unorganised, it is easier to get away with inappropriate behaviour towards women.
The clarion call came from Hollywood, where actors Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd were among the women who came forward and accused powerful producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misdemeanour, that led to a detailed investigation in The New York Times and a storm of #MeToo posts on social media. If it wasn’t for the huge level of outrage, the voices of the women would have been quickly silenced, and it would have been back to business as usual. When so many actors came out as accusers — even A-listers — did the extent of the problem get revealed. Weinstein was arrested and tried, some others had their careers wrecked, but many quietly returned to their careers, suitably chastened.
When Tanushree Dutta made accusations of harassment against Nana Patekar, and kicked off the Indian chapter of the #MeToo movement, she was no longer actively working in the film industry. Even then, she was mocked for doing it for publicity. Also, it is pertinent to note that save for a few exceptions like Vikas Bahl, Alok Nath, Anu Malik, Sajid Khan and earlier Subhash Kapoor, no other major producer, director, actor or technician has been outed. All the men named have denied the allegations. Women in the industry know that being branded a snitch could mean work drying up instantly. Does anybody remember the cases of Sabeeha, Preeti Jain, Mamta Kulkarni or Geetika Tyagi, who spoke out against harassment? Their careers just sank without a trace.
It is easy for outsiders to say that these women don’t have to be in the film industry or that they can always say no, but if that’s their chosen profession, should they be forced to ignore sexual predators? Casting couch is a pleasant-sounding term for the indignity women have to routinely go through — if not outright rape, there’s the propositioning, groping, cat-calling, slut-shaming, lewd comments on their appearance and many other kinds of male depravity that women have to put up with, or be called uppity, fussy, bad sport, etc. There was a time when female actors had their mothers accompany them on shoots as a shield against harassment.
The aftermath of the worldwide movement had some impact in India — at least the top production companies ensure a safe working environment for women, as well as basic amenities like changing rooms and toilets. But the malaise runs much deeper in areas where the light has not yet reached. The Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act of 2013 lists guidelines. The Mumbai and Kerala film industries have taken steps to recognise the problem and today, if a woman makes a complaint, at least she is believed. She may not have a career to return to, but she will have sympathy and support for whatever it is worth. The war is far from over yet.
The writer is a senior journalist, author and critic
