Telangana government committee: Sexual exploitation of women widespread in Tollywood | Hyderabad News

HYDERABAD: A Telangana government-appointed committee on the Telugu film industry has said sexual exploitation, gender disparity and misogyny run deep in Tollywood.
The committee members that TOI spoke to say the report has pointed out that none of the industry bodies or unions has an internal complaints committee (ICC), as mandated by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2013 (POSH).

The report, which recommends immediate course correction to protect women, was handed over to senior government officials three months ago, but no action has been taken so far.
Along with a lack of a redressal system, the report says women artistes are harassed, exposed to vulgar language, burdened with unnecessary night shifts – with no provision for transport – and victimised if they speak up.
Sources added such practices were brushed away as being part and parcel of working in showbiz by industry insiders, who committee members interacted with, through the course of drafting the report.
The high-level committee was formed in 2019, months after one of the actors publicly disrobed herself in front of the office of a prominent association to highlight sexual harassment in the industry. The objective was to assess the situation on ground and offer recommendations.
It comprised senior police officials, NGO representatives and industry members. It found the root of such harassment lay in paucity of women (on sets and unions) and an unregulated coordinator system used by some producers to hire talent cheap.
Sources familiar with the report said that most unions have 1% to 4% women representatives, much like the pool of artistes and technicians. They are not encouraged to become members on grounds of gender and often considered incapable, those familiar with the report said.
The wages of most young artistes, many of whom comprise women from outside Telangana, are negotiated by coordinators, making them vulnerable to sexual harassment, the report said. These coordinators are not part of any union and hence lack accountability. Their hunting ground: small dance and acting schools these women join, hoping to get a foot in the door.
“Based on our findings, we made certain recommendations for course correction. The report is now with the government. We hope that it acts on it soon and issues orders to protect the rights of female artistes, and provide a conducive environmen,” said a member of the committee, on condition of anonymity.