Actor Shanti Priya has openly questioned the effectiveness of Mohanlal’s resignation as the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) president. Amid growing controversy surrounding the findings of the Hema Committee report, which addresses harassment and misconduct in the Malayalam film industry, Shanti Priya believes that Mohanlal’s stepping down may not have been the right move.
Shanti Priya on Mohanlal’s Resignation: “He Could Have Been a Pillar for the Victims”
“Mohanlal shouldn’t have resigned from his position as president,” Shanti Priya asserted. “There was no point. He could have supported the victims, guided them, and been there for the present generation. Instead of stepping down, he should have been saying, ‘We are here, trust us, please raise your voice and speak to us.’ This should have been the approach.”
Shanti Priya, a seasoned actress with over 50 films across South Indian cinema, emphasized that Mohanlal could have strongly supported both victims and newcomers in the industry. She believes his leadership could have inspired more trust and openness among those affected by harassment.
Mohanlal’s Resignation Amid Allegations and Committee Disbandment
Mohanlal’s resignation came on August 27, following the disbandment of AMMA’s executive committee, which was under scrutiny due to serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct involving some of its members. The committee, newly elected in June 2024, was originally set to serve until 2027 but faced immense pressure due to these allegations.
Harassment in the Film Industry: A Pan-India Issue
Shanti Priya highlighted that harassment is not limited to the Malayalam or Bollywood film industries. “Even men are harassed in our industry, across all industries. It’s not just about Bollywood or Malayalam; these issues are pervasive,” she stated. “I am a pan-India actor, and these things happen everywhere. It just so happens that cases from Malayalam and Bollywood have come to light recently. In the future, similar issues might emerge from the Telugu industry or elsewhere.”
She underscored the need for stronger measures to combat sexual abuse, ensuring such incidents do not continue unchecked. “When is this going to stop? Everyone has raised their voices and shown concern, but the real question is how strong the actions will be and how long it will take until our future generations can feel safe,” Shanti Priya added. “There needs to be a genuine fear of repercussions, so people think twice before misbehaving.”
Shanti Priya’s Personal Experience and Industry Insights
Reflecting on her own experience in the film industry, Shanti Priya shared that she has been fortunate to avoid harassment, which she attributes in part to her familial connection with Bhanupriya, a respected actor. “I am a sibling of Bhanupriya, who has already set certain standards. People know that Bhanupriya and her family are out of reach; that is the respect we have earned. No one has ever approached me in an inappropriate manner,” she said.
Shanti Priya concluded by calling for ongoing vigilance and action against harassment in the film industry, stressing that while progress has been made since the 80s and 90s, there is still a long way to go to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.
As the conversation around harassment in the film industry continues, voices like Shanti Priya’s play a crucial role in pushing for accountability and change. Her call for stronger leadership and protective measures resonates across all sectors, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to tackle these pervasive issues.
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