Sri Reddy leaks set a course correction ?

No doubt, Sri Reddy’s allegations against directors and a producer’s son have triggered a hot debate among TV and media watchers across the two Telugu states and beyond, they also seem to have shaken the film industry bigwigs who are now set on a course correction.

Whether it is a mere coincidence or otherwise, a chamber member claims that a letter from Union Minister Maneka Gandhi has prompted the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, Producers Guild, Movie Artistes Association and other 24 Cine Workers’ Union to bring a sea-change for women working in the industry in various capacities- actor, director, assistant writers, directors and fashion designers, etc-.and not due to Sri Reddy’s leaks.

However, a member of the Telugu Cine Workers Federation says that Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce has been asking them to constitute internal committees with four members from the Union along with the member of an NGO which is looking after Women and Child Welfare in the State.

“Our federation has 24 unions which includes junior artists, make-up artists, dancers, fighters, hair stylists, dubbing and editing personnel and more-and we are in the course of identifying people to head the panel of each Union.

Also, we are looking out for guest members of an NGO who are fighting for the rights and livelihood of women. We have to display boards in each union with names and numbers of the panel members to enable women to lodge complaints of sexual harassment and initiate action, if necessary,” he adds.

Although some actresses have made such allegations even in the past, but now Sri Reddy has become the torch-bearer of women folk and turned the tables against the perpetrators and bound to reduce crimes against women working in the film industry.

“We received letters from Maneka Gandhi and we are initiating internal panels in various trade bodies and later in each producer and director’s office to safeguard women. But these measures are nothing to do with Sri Reddy leaks which many have already declined for want of evidence,” says a member from producers guild by downplaying Sri Reddy leaks impact on the industry. But no doubt, she has become a tool for change.

“No doubt, Sri Reddy has brought the spotlight back on exploitation with her explosive disclosures. Inspired by her confidence, some more actresses are revealing the pain they suffered in silence in the industry and we are expecting more skelotons to tubble out of the cupboard. With media covering and giving prominence to such revelations, film industry bigwigs are in a fix.

Nonetheless, this new phenomenon has forced them to form committees to help women employees in distress, which was long overdue in the industry. Now, young girls can walk into the industry and give their best without being exploited for sexual favours,” concludes a junior artiste.