Swara Bhasker reacts on Hema Committee report: Findings are heartbreaking

Swara Bhasker, a prominent actor in the Indian film industry, recently reacted to the findings of the Hema Committee report, which exposed significant issues within the Malayalam film industry. Bhasker took to Instagram to share her thoughts, describing the report's findings as "heartbreaking" and all too familiar. The Hema Committee was established to investigate the state of affairs in the Malayalam film industry, especially concerning the treatment of women.

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In her post, Bhasker highlighted the entrenched patriarchal norms and financial pressures that have long dominated the entertainment industry. She expressed deep gratitude to the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an organization that has been at the forefront of advocating for women's rights within the film industry. Bhasker praised their courage and acknowledged their critical role in bringing issues of sexual harassment and violence to light.
Reacting to the report, Bhasker stated, "It has been heartbreaking to read the findings of the committee. More heartbreaking because it is familiar. Maybe not every detail and not every nitty gritty but the larger picture of what the women have testified to is all too familiar." This reflection underscores a broader issue that extends beyond the Malayalam film industry, hinting at systemic problems that are pervasive across various sectors of entertainment.
Bhasker went on to discuss how the entertainment industry has always been male-centric, describing it as a "patriarchal power set-up." She emphasized that showbiz has historically been dominated by men, with women often relegated to the sidelines or subjected to various forms of exploitation and harassment. "Showbiz is and always has been a male-centric industry, a patriarchal power set-up. It's also deeply perception-sensitive and risk-averse," she wrote, pointing out the industry's reluctance to address these issues openly.

The actor also shed light on the hierarchical nature of the film industry, where power dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the work environment. She described how successful actors, directors, and producers are often elevated to a demi-god status, which can lead to a culture of silence and complicity. "If they do something unsavoury, the norm for everyone around is to look away. If someone makes too much noise and doesn't let an issue drop, label them 'trouble-makers' and let them bear the brunt of their overenthusiastic conscience. Silence is the convention. Silence is appreciated. Silence is practical and silence is rewarded," Bhasker observed.

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The Hema Committee report itself is a comprehensive document that spans 296 pages, detailing the experiences of numerous women in the Malayalam film industry. It brings to the forefront the harsh realities faced by these women, including sexual harassment and exploitation. The report does not shy away from revealing the darkest aspects of the industry, despite not naming the perpetrators directly. This revelation has sparked a significant conversation about the need for systemic change and greater accountability within the film industry.
Bhasker, reflecting on the broader dynamics within the entertainment industry, called for a reevaluation of the status quo. She stressed that the deeply ingrained feudal and patriarchal structure needs to be dismantled to create a safer and more equitable environment for all. "The Hema Committee Report details experiences of women from the Malayalam film industry but that's only because the horrific case of sexual assault of an actress allegedly orchestrated by superstar Dileep opened a Pandora's box for them," she noted, highlighting the catalytic role of this high-profile case in prompting a closer examination of industry practices.
The report's findings have not only brought attention to the specific issues within the Malayalam film industry but have also resonated with women across different sectors who face similar challenges. Bhasker's reaction is a powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of gender-based discrimination and harassment, urging stakeholders in the entertainment industry to take meaningful action.