Actor Sanjjanaa Galrani calls for women’s association in Kannada film industry amid Hema Committee report controversy. Bengaluru

Amid the controversy sparked by the Justice Hema Committee report, actor Sanjjanaa Galrani has taken a stand for women in the Kannada film industry. She recently met with the Karnataka State Women’s Commission to propose the creation of the “Sandalwood Woman Artist Association” (SWAA), aimed at promoting women’s rights and safety, news agency ANI reported.

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“In the Kannada film industry, we don’t have any independent body. From my foundation, Sanjjanaa Galrani Foundation, I have requested the formation of an independent body… so that newcomers entering the industry are aware of their rights and understand appropriate behaviour,” Sanjjanaa said, while speaking to the agency.

Earlier this month, Sanjjanaa used her Instagram platform to rally support for the formation of SWAA, highlighting the need for a structured support system in Sandalwood.

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Karnataka Women’s Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary also spoke to reporters about the matter and said, “This is the first time the film industry has had a meeting about forming a committee for women… It is a law that any organization with more than 10 women must have a POSH committee. They have 15 days to respond. If anyone faces harassment… The president of the film industry has agreed. to it.”

The call for a POSH committee follows distressing allegations of sexual assault against high-profile figures in the Malayalam film industry, revealed in the recently publicized Justice Hema Committee report. The 235-page document detailed a culture of harassment and exploitation dominated by a handful of powerful male producers and directors.

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In response to these revelations, the government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve deeper into the challenges faced by women in the industry, marking a significant step toward change.

(With inputs from ANI)