The Hema Committee Report: From Stardom to Struggle

“The glamor of the film industry often conceals the dark reality of sexual harassment that many women face behind the scenes.”

The film industry, often seen as a world of glamour and stardom, conceals a darker side where many women face sexual harassment, exploitation, and gender discrimination behind the scenes. This grim reality came into the spotlight with the release of the Hema Committee Report. This ground-breaking document confronts the pervasive issues of gender-based violence and discrimination within Kerala’s film industry. Initiated in 2017 after the abduction and assault of a prominent actress, the Committee, led by retired Justice Hema, was established by the Kerala government to investigate the working conditions for women in the industry. The report, made public in August 2024, provides a comprehensive examination of female artists’ challenges and offers actionable recommendations to enhance their safety, equity, and dignity in the workplace.

Background

The Kerala government established the Hema Committee in response to the public outcry following the abduction and assault of a prominent actress in 2017, which exposed the deep-seated gender vulnerabilities faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The committee submitted its report in December 2019 and on August 19, 2024, the report was made available to the public. ¹ This high-profile incident, allegedly orchestrated by a fellow actor, highlighted the perverseness of misogyny, harassment, and gender-based violence within the industry where power dynamics often silenced victims and perpetuated a culture of impunity. The Kerala government appointed the Committee, chaired by retired Justice Hema of the Kerala High Court, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the working conditions of women in the film industry. The Committee also included notable members such as actress Sharada and former bureaucrat K.B. Valsala Kumari. ²

The Committee’s mandate was extensive, covering not only sexual harassment cases but also the broader treatment of women in the industry, their working conditions, and the structural factors contributing to gender inequality. The Hema Committee was tasked with recommending concrete measures to enhance the safety, dignity, and well-being of women working in the film industry aiming to foster a more equitable and secure environment.
The following statutes apply to the Kerala film industry: ³

1) Cinematograph Act 1952
2) Cinemas (Regulation) Act 1958 (Kerala)
3) Cine Workers and Cinema Theatre Workers (Regulation), 1981
4) Cine Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1981
5) Cine Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1981

Key Findings of the Hema Committee Report: ⁴

1) Widespread Sexual Harassment and Exploitation

One of the most alarming revelations of the Hema Committee Report was the pervasive sexual harassment and exploitation of women in the industry, especially targeting actresses and junior artists. The male-dominated environment and significant power imbalances forced many women to endure unwelcome advances and coercion to secure roles or avoid blacklisting.

2) Gender Discrimination and Inequality
The Committee’s findings reveal entrenched gender discrimination in the Malayalam film industry. Women actors face biases in casting, pay, and roles, often receiving lower salaries and secondary parts. This disparity also extends to production and technical teams, where women are underrepresented.

3) Lack of Legal Protection and Support Mechanisms
The Committee identified inadequate legal protection for women in the industry, with no formal contracts or grievance procedures. Women reporting harassment face retaliation, including blacklisting, deterring others from speaking out, and worsening their vulnerability.

4) Hostile Work Environment and Mental Health Impact
The Committee reported that the Malayalam film industry often presents a hostile environment for women with widespread verbal abuse, intimidation, and bullying from male colleagues. The lack of basic amenities and pervasive harassment contribute to significant mental health issues.

5) Workplace Inequality and Unfair Practices
The report also sheds light on the broader issues of workplace inequality and unfair practices. Women in the industry frequently face pay disparities, lack of recognition, and exclusion from decision-making processes. These practices not only undermine the contributions of women but also perpetuate a culture of inequality that stifles their potential and hinders their career growth.

Recommendations:

The HCR made several recommendations aimed at addressing the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Some of the key recommendations include:⁵

1) Establish a Gender Justice Cell within the Kerala State Film Development Corporation to address gender issues.

2) Enforce mandatory implementation of the POSH Act in all film production units.

3) Ensure equal pay for equal work and merit-based casting.

4) Introduce gender sensitivity and workplace ethics training programs.

5) Provide support systems, including counseling and legal aid, for female artists.

6) Regulate work contracts to protect women’s rights and safety.

7) Promote women in leadership roles within the film industry.

References:

Abraham, B. (2024, August 20). All you need to know about the Hema Committee report, the investigation that has rocked the Malayalam film industry. India times. For more information, visit: https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/all-you-need-to-know-about-justice-hema-committee-report-on-malayalam-film-industry-640189.html
Hema Committee report. (2024, September 1). Wikipedia. For more information, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hema_Committee_report
Hema Committee Report. For more information, visit: hema-committee-report-556462.pdf – GoogleDrive
The Law Advice – Articles – The Hema Committee Report: An Analysis. (n.d.). For more information, visit: https://www.thelawadvice.com/articles/the-hema-committee-report-an-analysis
Staff, O. (2024, August 19). Onmanorama Explains | All about Hema Committee report | Kerala News | Onmanorama News | Hema Committee Report. Onmanorama. For more information, visit: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2024/08/19/justice-hema-committe-report-actor-assault-case-key-suggestions-dileep-release.html