Filmmaker and writer Vinta Nanda, a prominent figure in India’s #MeToo movement, has spoken about the need for structural changes to ensure women’s safety across various industries. Nanda, who brought the #MeToo movement to the forefront in India after accusing actor Alok Nath of rape in 2018, spoke exclusively to News18 about the current shakeup in the Malayalam film industry following the release of the Hema Committee Report.
For Nanda, the resurgence of women speaking out in the Malayalam film industry is a welcome continuation of the #MeToo movement. “I wish it hadn’t taken another five years for the movement to pick up from where it left off,” she said. Nanda pointed out that the Hema Committee Report, which was submitted to the Kerala government in December 2019 right after the initial wave of #MeToo, could have been instrumental in continuing the momentum and bringing about the changes that have been needed for decades. Unfortunately, the report was “suppressed”, and various reasons were given for why it shouldn’t be released. “It’s taken five long years, and here we are in 2024, finally seeing it come out. But as they say, ‘better late than never.’ This is a significant step forward,” she added, noting that the progress, although delayed, is promising and necessary.
Nanda believes that the model of the Hema Committee should be adopted across all industries, not just film. “We need similar committees in every film industry, whether regional or the Hindi film industry, and beyond,” she emphasised. While the film industry often finds itself under the magnifying glass, Nanda stressed that the challenges women face are widespread, affecting all sectors. “The reality is that women aren’t safe, period, and the situation is even worse in rural areas. Being alone in rural India, even in broad daylight, can be terrifying, let alone at night,” she said.
According to Nanda, India still lags in addressing women’s safety and rights. “We are a country that is, in many ways, centuries behind the time we live in today,” she stated. Highlighting the critical role of the Hema Committee, she proposed that Justice Hema should lead the way in establishing similar reports across all towns, cities, and industries. While the film industry often garners more attention due to its visibility, Nanda believes that its influence can be leveraged to amplify the movement. “The message from our industry can resonate widely, making it even more crucial for us to lead this movement,” she concluded.
Nanda’s courageous decision to share her own experience of abuse in 2018 was a catalyst for change, inspiring many others to come forward. She remains committed to advocating for the safety and rights of women, not only within the film industry but across all sectors.
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