‘If someone kisses you forcefully, should we take a selfie first?’ National award winning actress Sheela gets angry at those who ask for proof of harassment

The new wave of the ‘Me Too’ movement in the Malayalam film industry has shocked people. Many big names in the industry have been accused of sexual harassment. Women from the industry are sharing their stories of sexual harassment and assault. And those who have been accused are facing public anger as well as legal action.

Many organizations formed for the welfare of artists in Malayalam cinema such as Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) are also being criticized a lot. Meanwhile, senior actress of the industry Sheela has come in support of women facing harassment in cinema.

‘It breaks my heart to see the struggle of women’
Speaking to Manorama Online, Sheela said, “I am well aware of the struggle women go through to work in films. Some enter cinema for financial reasons, while others come here for the love of the craft. It is heartbreaking to see them struggle.”

National award winning actress Sheela said that she herself never had to face harassment. But she did not deny the struggle of many survivor women recently. Sheela said that she too has heard many women’s horrific experiences.

She said, ‘Earlier there were neither such opportunities nor circumstances that anyone could talk openly about these things. I don’t understand why only a few actors are being named when so many people are involved in this. If anyone is guilty, he should be punished.’ Sheela also praised the ‘Women in Cinema Collective’ (WCC), an organization formed for women in the Malayalam industry.

Sheila got angry at those who asked for proof
The 79-year-old actress strongly criticised those who demand proof from women when harassment allegations surface. As reported by Matribhoomi, she said, “The police and the court ask for proof. Can we take photos and selfies when someone suddenly comes and hugs or kisses us? Do you expect us to say, ‘I will take a photo for proof?’ Earlier, there were only landline phones and there was no way to record. The actors never expected that a Hema Committee would be formed in the future. No one can predict these circumstances. How can proof be given in cases of abuse like this?”