The safety of women in movies has received a lot of attention lately, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The most recent results of the Hema Committee Report have sparked a wider discussion about the necessity of structural adjustments to shield women in the sector from sexual harassment and abuse.
This urgent matter is not limited to the film business; it also affects television. Actors on television are becoming vocal about their experiences and supporting workplace safety.
A WOMAN’S SAFETY DEPENDS ON HER POWER ON STUDIO
Actor Kavita Kaushik, well known for her portrayal as Chandramukhi Chautala in FIR, told IndiaToday.in that the status and stature of any female actor define their safety on the set, amid a plethora of celebrities expressing their own stories and demanding reforms.
“Every set can, in my opinion, be both safe and harmful, depending on how a lady positions herself. People are less inclined to transgress boundaries with a senior actor or someone in a high-ranking position in the channel. Her susceptibility does, however, rise if she is inexperienced or occupies a lesser role—as an assistant, in costume, or on the directing or camera team. According to Kavita, a woman’s degree of risk is ultimately determined by the influence she has on set, which frequently determines her safety.
The actor, who has also starred in a number of Punjabi movies, continued by recalling an instance in which she supported a guest actor who was the target of unwanted advances from a crew member.
“A female portraying a guest character once approached me on the sets of FIR. She wasn’t a well-known actor, and her role was really small. She felt safe approaching me because I was amiable with everyone on set and always enjoyed myself and had chats. She was complaining about a guy who was approaching her and saying unpleasant things. I made the decision to confront him about the matter on set, embarrassing him in front of the whole crew. Since there was some knowledge on the guy, I went to the director and gave.
WOMEN WERE TAKEN FOR GRANTED
With 200 films under her resume and more than 20 years of experience in the business, seasoned performer Himani Shivpuri has always kept her ground and refused to allow anyone take advantage of her. She recalled a period when women in the profession were frequently taken for granted while speaking with IndiaToday.in.
“I’ve always been pretty direct, even back in my theater days, but it has happened a lot. No matter how well-known a director is, I’ve never let anyone take advantage of me. I have collaborated with some of the top stars in Bollywood and theatre, and I have always respectfully told them that I am an actress and that I am not able to perform this role.
Women used to be taken advantage of a lot, but I wasn’t going to allow it happen to me.” Himani informed us.
The actor, who has acted in series like Sasural Simar Ka and Happu Ki Ultan Pultan, recalled a personal experience by saying, “I remember being quite harsh towards one actor, and he was very scared.” However, I pretended not to remember anything the following day, and we ended up becoming close friends. He never attempted anything else after that. I’ve experienced these things, but I’ve always maintained my composure because I won’t put up with such behavior.”
IT’S A WORKPLACE ISSUE
Ektaa Kapoor is a woman producer who owns Balaji Telefilms and Balaji Motion Pictures. She is concerned about women’s safety and believes that more women in leadership positions will “equalize the agency” in a variety of areas.
“The safety of women is a problem that affects the entire industry. We consider this to be a workplace concern, and we take it seriously. During the release of the trailer for her most recent movie, The Buckingham Murders, she stated, “A lot of women can join forces because a lot of women have to lead now.”
“You have to equalize agency and shift it from men to women,” she continued. We really need more women in leadership roles, or at the very least running businesses. Women must take the initiative for it as well. As stated, the Hema Committee report will be released. We’ll read up on it more. Professional women will lead to a deliberate effort to provide a safe atmosphere for women in any workplace. It has to begin, in my opinion. The environment is still somewhat skewed.”
PRODUCERS MUST BE MORE CONSCIOUS
Although some people may be cautious when speaking, actor Kamya Shalabh Dang has never held back when speaking her mind. The performer clarified that the producer bears exclusive duty for ensuring the safety of ladies on set. She talked on the necessity for the creators to be more watchful and to look out for their team by giving necessities.
“On set, producers need to pay closer attention to these problems. Actors like us are frequently instructed to set up our own food, security, and other facilities, particularly when filming outside. We can just say no to such requests. However, these situations are unavoidable for newcomers, who bear the tremendous burden of providing for their families and paying their obligations. They adapt on all fronts; they’ll stay wherever, make their own food arrangements, and even cover medical expenses when necessary. Are producers trying to gain more Instagram followers by publishing photographs, or do they want to acknowledge this as well?” informed IndiaToday.in Kamya.
She went on to emphasize the need for reform and raise concerns about why producers still take advantage of weak circumstances. She urged a change in attitude and behavior to make workplaces safer and more polite for everyone.
Why is it necessary to hold demonstrations or even just speak out? Why are they unable to simply implement the change? Since I’ve always worked in Mumbai, I’ve never had to go to far-off places for filming. Still, there are those who are forced to film in far-off places. She said, “Producers that are trying to take advantage of their circumstances should just quit it.
The conversation that is still going on about women’s safety in the entertainment business emphasizes how urgently fundamental change is needed. As celebrities have come forward to call for increased security for women on sets, their voices serve as a reminder that creating a safer atmosphere for women on sets is not just a personal obligation but also a responsibility of producers and leadership.