Bengaluru, 4 Sept

Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE), an industry body, called on the State government to form a committee to investigate the working conditions and instances of sexual harassment faced by women in the Kannada film industry.

This move follows alarming revelations from the Justice Hema Committee report in Kerala, which highlighted rampant sexual harassment within the Malayalam film industry.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, copies of which are in possession of Salar News, FIRE has urged the establishment of a high-level committee led by a retired High Court or Supreme Court judge with a strong track record in gender justice.

The organisation has requested that the committee's findings be completed and made public within three months.

The petition, supported by 153 signatories including actors, writers, and gender activists, emphasizes the need for systemic reforms and a safer, more equitable work environment.

The letter said the committee must investigate the systemic issues in the Kannada film industry and recommend policies to ensure a healthier work environment.

FIRE has also offered to assist in the selection of the committee members and act as a liaison if needed.

Among the prominent figures endorsing the petition are directors Kavita Lankesh and KM Chaitanya, as well as actors Ramya, Aindrita Ray, Pooja Gandhi, Sruthi Hariharan, Chaitra J Achar, Samyuktha Hegde, Hitha, Sudeep, Chetan Ahimsa, Diganth Manchale, Kiran Srinivas, and Kishore. -Salar News