Tamil actress Sanam Shetty has made a startling claim regarding the prevalence of casting couch practices in the Tamil film industry. The actress voiced her concerns while discussing the recently released Hema Committee Report from Kerala, which highlights sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. Sanam addressed the media outside the Chennai Police Commissioner’s office, where she had gone to seek permission for a rally condemning crimes against women following a brutal rape and murder case in Kolkata.
According to a report by Hindustan Times Tamil, Sanam was speaking about her rally plans when she was questioned about the Hema Committee Report. While admitting that she was not fully aware of the report’s details, Sanam expressed her support for the initiative. “I don’t know the details of the Hema Committee report. But I welcome this move. I would like to thank Hema and the Government of Kerala for coming up with such a report. Such incidents are also taking place in the world of Tamil cinema. No one can say no. I am speaking from my own experience,” she said.
Sanam further explained the challenges faced by victims, particularly when they are asked why they did not report the incidents earlier. “I get angry when such a question is asked. I cut the phone saying I will beat you with sandal,” she remarked, as translated from her interview.
The actress also condemned the notion that “adjustment” is the only way to secure opportunities in the film industry. She emphasized that this problem affects both men and women, stating, “Not everyone in the film industry is like this. But if there is a photo opportunity only if you do ‘adjustment,’ spit it out and go outside. We don’t want a film like this. If you believe in yourself, opportunities will follow.”
The Hema Committee report, released by the Kerala government, exposes the systemic harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, led by former High Court judge Justice Hema, was formed in 2017 after an assault case involving actor Dileep. The report’s findings have sparked significant discussion about the need for change across regional film industries.