KOCHI: In an interview given to foreign media, Malayalam actress Nyla Usha expressed shock at the sexual assault case against actor Jayasurya and said that he was her close friend in the industry.

Nyla Usha:

“More than the Hema committee report, what gives me fear is when random people express shock after reading the report. Throughout these years in the industry, I can confirm that I haven’t faced any such bad experiences. But I understand that the situation might have been different for other actresses and I stand with them. For me, the production team was great and gave me all the required amenities. I had such a privilege.

There is a big difference between being invited to a film and asking for an opportunity through an audition. In my case, I have been invited to act and never faced the troubles of audition. Nobody I worked with has revealed such experiences to me.

Acting with Jayasurya was an exciting experience and he is one of my best friends. So the news about harassment was shocking nevertheless. The shock doesn’t mean I’m supporting him nor I’m with the complainant. Let the truth come out.

Throughout the years, many women have made revelations through social media, but nobody cared to notice. And now, the time is ideal to bring change within the industry. For sure, the industry will change after this set of controversies.

Actress Jomol expressed her experience and I support that. But she should have expressed her support for the complainants. And in another case, if somebody knocks on the door or forces for ‘adjustments’, women should have the guts to say ‘NO’. I think it will settle the case for good.”