Committee chaired by Rohini to hear grievances of women in Tamil cinema; don't report complaint straight to media, says Rohini

CHENNAI: The Nadigar Sangam, an association of actors in Tamil cinema, has formed a committee for hearing complaints regarding sexual harassment in the Tamil film industry. Actress Rohini is the chairperson of the committee. With Rohini appointed as chairperson, the internal complaints committee, which was established in 2019, has been strengthened. Rohini urged women to come forward with complaints. It is the effect of the Hema Committee report that has reached the Tamil film world as well.

On August 29, actor Vishal, who is also the general secretary of the Nadigar Sangam, had announced that a committee would be formed within 10 days to look into human rights violations, including sexual harassment in Tamil cinema. The 68th general meeting of the Nadigar Sangam was held at Kamarajar Auditorium in Teynampet. At the meeting chaired by President Nassar, the tenure of the office-bearers was extended by 3 years.

RK Selvamani who is a film Director and president of the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), an association of Tamil film technicians, said that there is no sexual harassment of women in the Tamil film industry. " Organisations like FEFSI can take action in case of isolated incidents," he said.

Don't say complaint in the media

Rohini said that women in the film industry who have complaints should say it before the committee and not on TV channels. "The Nadigar Sangam will ensure all measures to ensure legal aid to the victims of violence. A separate e-mail and phone number will be arranged for the internal grievance redressal cell. Complaints can be lodged through this. The complaints will be handed over to the cyber police. If found guilty of sexual assault, the offenders will be banned for five years."