Samantha Ruth Prabhu, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, recently took to her Instagram Stories to highlight the issue of sexual harassment in Tollywood and to urge the Telangana government to publish a report on the matter. Her call for action comes as she praises the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) of Kerala for their efforts in addressing similar issues in the Malayalam film industry. Also Read- Anushka Sharma’s Latest Festive Ad Campaign Has Fans Swooning! Fans Say “Queen for a Reason”; Watch Video Now!
In her social media post, Samantha expressed her support for the WCC and their role in the release of the Hema Committee report. This report, released by the Kerala government, detailed numerous allegations of sexual abuse and harassment within the Malayalam film industry. The report brought to light serious concerns about the treatment of women in Mollywood, including allegations against well-known actors and directors. Following the report’s release, several female actors came forward with their own complaints, leading to the registration of FIRs against prominent figures such as actor-politician Mukesh, Siddique, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, and director Ranjith.
Samantha’s Instagram post highlighted the significant impact of the Hema Committee report and the persistent efforts of the WCC. She wrote, “We, the women of the Telugu film industry, welcome the Hema Committee report and applaud the persistent efforts of the WCC in Kerala, which has laid the path to this moment. Taking cue from the WCC, The Voice of Women, a support group for women in the TFI, was created in 2019.” Her message underscores the importance of such reports and the need for similar actions in other regions, including Telangana.
The actor emphasized the need for the Telangana government to release its own report on sexual harassment within Tollywood. She urged that the findings be made public to help formulate effective policies and create a safer working environment for women in the Telugu film industry. “We hereby urge the Telangana government to publish the submitted sub-committee report on sexual harassment, which can help frame government and industry policies, to establish a safe working environment for women in the TFI,” she added. Her plea highlights a growing demand for accountability and transparency in the film industry, aiming to ensure that such issues are addressed comprehensively.
The Hema Committee report has been a significant development in the fight against harassment in the film industry. Established in response to the 2017 assault case involving actor Dileep, the committee’s findings have been pivotal in shedding light on the systemic issues within Mollywood. The Kerala government’s proactive approach in addressing these concerns has set a precedent for other film industries across India.
Samantha’s advocacy for similar measures in Tollywood reflects her commitment to improving conditions for women in the film industry. Her own experiences and observations have motivated her to call for similar scrutiny and reforms in the Telugu film sector. Also Read- Uorfi Javed Recalls How Suhana Khan and Ananya Panday Treated Her at a Party: Says “She is Very Well Brought Up”; Read Now to Know More!
On the professional front, Samantha Ruth Prabhu is gearing up for several exciting projects. She will be featured in Raj & DK’s web series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, alongside Varun Dhawan. The series is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on November 7. Additionally, Samantha will be seen in a film she produced titled Maa Inti Bangaram. However, her acting career has been somewhat paused due to her recent diagnosis with myositis, a condition that has temporarily affected her ability to take on new roles.
Samantha’s proactive stance on issues of sexual harassment and her call for a safer working environment for women in Tollywood underscore her dedication to bringing about positive change within the industry. Her efforts, combined with the work of organizations like the WCC, highlight a broader movement towards addressing and eliminating harassment in the entertainment sector.
