Telugu actress Lakshmi Manchu opened up about the sexual abuse allegations in the Malayalam film industry in an exclusive chat with CNN News18. The actress applauded women who have come out to speak about their experiences. She noted that this kind of exploitation happens in every industry and a change needs to be brought in. She hopes every industry takes a cue from the Hema Committee Report and comes out with their own reports to shed light on the issues.
“I want to applaud to come out and publish this. This has given strength to the women in Kerala,” Lakshmi Manchu told CNN News18 exclusively. “This kind of exploitation happens in every field,” she claimed. Urging every industry to release similar reports, Lakshmi said, “I think we have moved it from where it was before….it is something we need to continously work forward.”
“I laugh and joke on the men becuse I find it very appauling that nobody from the Telugu film industry, especially men have come out and supported this,” she added. She noted that there were a few men who reposted the calls to make reports about the sexual abuse in Telugu film industry but that number isn’t enough.
“There is nothing new about it…now we have a stronger voice…social media, news channels which try to bring the truth out,” the actress said. Lakshmi said that she is aware that her conversation with the news channel is not going to be welcomed by all. “I know I am going to get many calls asking me why I am doing this and need to keep quit,” she said. However, she added that she is not going to stop voicing her opinions.
“I have nothing to lose by coming out and saying this but there are women who cannot go out and speak. They have a lot more to lose,” she said.
The Hema Committee Report was brought to the light last month. The report shed light on the sexual crimes in the Malayalam film industry. Several cases were filed after the report surfaced, with FIR filed against people such as Mukesh, Jayasurya and director Ranjith.
