Hema Committee Report: Filmmaker Ranjith and Actor Siddique Quit Their Reputed Positions
Image credit: Hindustan Times
The Hema Committee Report has sparked nationwide discussions about the state of the film industry in South India, particularly in Kollywood. The report sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, prompting significant developments. Notably, Filmmaker Ranjith and Actor Siddique, both prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, have tendered their resignations from their esteemed positions. Siddique, the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), and Renjith, the chairman of the Chalachitra Academy, formally resigned on August 25, 2024.
On Friday, August 23, the well-known Malayalam actor Siddique expressed his support for the report and its findings, emphasizing the importance of the government taking swift action based on the recommendations. On the same day, while Siddique was vocalizing his solidarity with those whose experiences were echoed in the report, Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra made allegations against acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith, claiming that he had behaved inappropriately during her audition for a film in 2009. The resignations of Siddique and Renjith, both highly esteemed figures in the industry, seem to mark significant turning points. These events occurred within the same morning, possibly signifying a shift in the prevailing attitudes, albeit gradual.
In a recently released voice clip, Ranjith announced his decision to resign from his position as chairman of the Chalachitra Academy. He addressed the allegation made by Sreelekha Mitra, stating that it was part of a sustained effort by a “group of people” since he took on the role. The alleged incident of sexual misbehavior involving Sreelekha Mitra occurred during her visit to Kerala for an audition for the 2009 film ‘Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha’, which was directed by Ranjith. He expressed the lasting damage caused by the allegation and emphasized his determination to prove his innocence and clear his name before the public. Ranjith also declared that a part of Mitra’s allegation is untrue.
Actor Siddique has made the decision to step down as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). In a letter addressed to the president of the association, Mohanlal, Siddique cited the allegations against him as the reason for his resignation. “I am stepping down from the position in light of the allegations against me,” he conveyed to an online media outlet.
The announcement of Siddique’s resignation comes in the wake of actress Revathy Sampath’s renewed allegations against him. In 2019, she had made serious accusations of sexual abuse against Siddique, and recently, she reiterated her claims. Sampath alleged that Siddique had used a fake social media account to contact her under the pretext of discussing a film project back in 2016 when she was 21 years old.
The three-member panel was set up in response to the sexual assault on actress Bhavana Menon, who was attacked by a group of men while traveling in February 2017. Actor Dileep, her co-star in several films, was accused and charged with criminal conspiracy in connection to the assault. He denied the charges and was arrested but later released on bail. The case is ongoing.
Since the report’s release, many women in the industry have spoken out about abuse and discrimination. This follows Revathy Sampath’s public accusation of sexual assault against a well-known actor in 2019.
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- Diniya Raju is an enthusiastic and determined journalism student with a strong passion for amplifying the voices of the voiceless. Having recently completed an internship at KCV News, Diniya's commitment to journalism has been evident from a young age, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact through storytelling.
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