Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar recently voiced a strong call for the establishment of industry-wide committees similar to the Hema Committee Report, which investigates and addresses harassment issues in workplaces. In an exclusive conversation , Khushbu Sundar emphasized that such committees should be implemented in every sector where women are employed, citing that harassment is prevalent across all industries.
Khushbu Sundar, who has been active in the film industry since childhood, criticized the lack of recognition and formal structures in the cinema industry, despite its significant economic contributions. She argued that a robust framework is necessary to protect women from abuse and harassment, not only in the film industry but in all fields where women work. “This is the tip of the iceberg,” Khushbu Sundar remarked, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.
The actor, who previously served on the National Commission for Women (NCW), also highlighted the challenges women face when reporting harassment. She stressed the importance of thorough investigations and criticized the tendency to question survivors rather than perpetrators. “Many times, a survivor is asked, ‘What did you do to entice him?’ instead of questioning what gave the man the courage to make such demands,” she stated. Khushbu Sundar advocated for a more accountable approach, where anonymity does not overshadow justice.
Khushbu Sundar expressed sympathy for singer Chinmayi, who has faced career challenges due to legal disputes, and reiterated her belief that talent should be the primary measure of success, not compromising on personal values. She also addressed criticisms directed at industry stars for not speaking out, arguing that many social media critics lack genuine investment in the issues they highlight.
Further, Khushbu Sundar urged survivors to report harassment promptly to avoid long-term trauma and emphasized the role of upbringing in shaping attitudes towards women. “Teach your children how to respect women from a young age,” she advised. She also pointed to existing resources, such as the National Commission for Women and State Commission for Women, as avenues for filing complaints and receiving support.
Despite her advocacy for more rigorous measures, Khushbu Sundar assured that the Tamil cinema industry remains one of the safer environments for women, with supportive co-stars and a generally positive atmosphere. However, she acknowledged that a single negative element can impact the perception of safety in any industry.
