The #MeToo movement brought to light the rampant sexual harassment faced by women in various industries, including Bollywood. However, the movement’s impact seemed to fizzle away, with perpetrators still operating with impunity. This stark reality underscores the need for systemic change, a point underscored by actress Tannishtha Chatterjee, who recently praised the initiative taken by the Malayalam film industry.
The Malayalam Film Industry’s Response and Its Impact
The Malayalam film industry has taken a significant step toward addressing sexual harassment with the formation of the Justice K Hema Committee. This committee, established in response to a demand by the Women In Cinema Collective, is a testament to the industry’s commitment to addressing the issue. The initiative stemmed from the 2017 incident involving a female Malayalam actor who was sexually assaulted in a moving vehicle in Kochi.
The Difference Between Kerala and Bollywood
Tannishtha attributes the willingness of the Malayalam film industry to confront these issues to its relatively more evolved social structure. “The other day, a very dear friend of mine expressed their surprise saying Kerala is one of the most educated states and that it has an evolved society! I told them that’s the only reason they’re being able to call it out,” she states.
Tannishtha’s statement points to the stark contrast between Kerala and Bollywood, highlighting the importance of social context in addressing sexual harassment. Kerala, being a state known for its high literacy rates and progressive values, might be more conducive to openly addressing these issues, whereas Bollywood’s more traditional and patriarchal structure could pose greater challenges.
The Fear of Consequences: Why Bollywood Lags Behind
Despite support for the Malayalam industry’s efforts, Tannishtha believes it would be difficult to replicate such a proactive approach in Bollywood. “Many people who were named at that time [during the #MeToo movement] are still working with absolute impunity,” she explains. The fear of repercussions, particularly in a hierarchical industry like Bollywood, serves as a major impediment to initiating a similar reform movement.
A Comparison to Hollywood: Why #MeToo in Bollywood Failed
Tannishtha draws a parallel to the Hollywood #MeToo movement, which led to the downfall of Harvey Weinstein. She acknowledges that the boldness exhibited by Hollywood actors, specifically naming prominent figures, is something that would be inconceivable in Bollywood.
“Just two months back, I was watching the film, She Said, which is about the whole Weinstein case. In that film, they’re naming the biggest people. That’s very tough here because our society is very different. Everyone is scared,” she explains. This inherent fear of social ostracism and professional ruin plays a crucial role in stifling similar initiatives in Bollywood.
Personal Experiences and the Industry’s Corruption
Tannishtha, who entered the film industry in the early 2000s, candidly shares her own experiences with sexual advances from powerful individuals. She recounts her early experiences, admitting she ultimately decided to distance herself from the industry by working exclusively with women casting directors and professionals.
“When I first came to the industry, I faced it from some of the biggest names. I ran away from all that. I told myself that I’ll only work with casting directors who’re women and men who’re very professional. I started getting calls for auditions for international films where it was really about quality of working and whether you suit the part or not. But our industry has various levels of corruption,” she reveals.
Her statement highlights the widespread culture of corruption that permeates the Hindi film industry. This culture, she emphasizes, fosters a system where favoritism, quid-pro-quo arrangements, and sexual exploitation are commonplace, often hindering talent and rewarding conformity over merit.
The Need for Cultural Shift: Moving Beyond Policies
While advocating for policies, Tannishtha acknowledges the limitations of merely implementing stringent rules and regulations. “It will take another two-three generations for better times to come,” she says.
Tannishtha argues that the issue transcends merely creating new policies; it necessitates a deep cultural shift. “Women face all of it – one aspect is sexual favours and the other is under-the-table deals. But we can never name them. Whatever little work we’re getting, if we start naming, we’ll be completely out of work,” she emphasizes.
A Conundrum: The Power Dynamic
The fear of losing work is a constant reality for many women in Bollywood. The power dynamic within the industry, where producers and directors hold considerable sway over opportunities, creates an environment where speaking out comes with significant repercussions. This dynamic underscores the inherent vulnerability of female actors and actresses, often leaving them hesitant to expose their abusers for fear of losing their careers.
Take Away Points: A Long Road Ahead
Tannishtha’s insights paint a grim picture of the prevailing culture within Bollywood. While acknowledging the strides made by the Malayalam film industry, she highlights the complex challenges faced by the Hindi film industry in addressing sexual harassment.
The fear of consequences, the entrenched culture of corruption, and the power imbalances within the industry act as formidable barriers to significant change. She suggests that a long-term, multifaceted approach, addressing cultural norms and power dynamics, is required to achieve meaningful progress in combating sexual harassment within the Hindi film industry.