Khushbu expresses solidarity with women survivors in Malayalam film industry

Hema committee report: Khushbu Sundar supports women speaking out against sexual exploitation in Malayalam film industry, urging more survivors to come forward.

Actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Khushbu Sundar has complimented the women who brought to light instances of sexual exploitation, gender discrimination and misogyny in the Malayalam film industry, braving heavy personal and professional odds.

On Wednesday (August 28, 2024), Ms. Khushbu made an impassioned entreaty on X (formerly Twitter) seeking support for survivors of sexual abuse. 

“Abuse, asking for sexual favours, and expecting women to compromise to gain a foothold or accelerate their careers exist in every field. Why is a woman alone expected to go through the grind? Although men too face it, it’s marginally women who bear the brunt”, she wrote. 

Ms. Khusbhu’s outreach came against the backdrop of several women artistes in the Malayalam film industry, including aspirants, narrating their sexual exploitation at the hands of industry kingpins on conventional and social media. 

The startling “disclosures” caused a public outcry, prompting the government to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) comprising women IPS officers to register cases and probe the complaints. 

Ms. Khushbu urged more survivors to speak up, stating that their candidness would aid investigation and help “healing” personal trauma. 

She noted that the wounds inflicted by sexual violence “cut deep, not only in the flesh, but in the very soul”.