Kannada actor Sruti Hariharan accusing actor Arjun Sarja of sexual assault and unprofessional behaviour during the shoot of the bilingual movie Vismaya, as part of the #MeToo campaign, has exposed the lack of an Internal Complaints Committee in the industry. But what is more worrying is the fact that the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has hit back at Hariharan for "targeting" a senior actor instead of taking a neutral stand.
A day after Hariharan, along with a few filmmakers and activists, addressed a press conference detailing the harassment, the issue has assumed a political hue with Arjun's supporters alleging that it is a political conspiracy by the Leftist activists. Actors Prakash Raj and Chetan Kumar, both identified as activists, have extended support to Hariharan, triggering a social media war.
The Sandalwood now stands divided with many backing Hariharan, and many others supporting Arjun over the issue. Arjun's father-in-law and veteran actor Rajesh has filed a complaint against Hariharan with the KFCC. However, the silence of veterans and prominent stars is worrisome.
The KFCC has assured that they will resolve the issue "internally" in the presence of rebel star and veteran actor Ambareesh (a special invitee) on Wednesday and claims to have invited both parties. Meanwhile, Hariharan has asserted that she will fight it legally. She has claimed that four other female actors have confided in her about how they, too, have been sexually harassed by Arjun.
During a press meet addressed by KFCC president Chinne Gowda on Monday, the senior members openly supported Arjun, while doubting the intention of Hariharan coming out almost a year after the incident.
Sa Ra Govindu, president of the Kannada film chamber, urged its members to directly approach the chamber with their complaints without any delay.
"Members should approach us rather than go to the media with their problems. There are people to instigate such people. We would have appreciated if Shruti Hariharan had approached us immediately after the incident. But talking about the incident and creating a flutter after an year is not appropriate. You should come to us with documents. You are ruining your own reputation and career both," said Govindu.
Responding to Hariharan's objection to act in certain intimate scenes and do multiple rehearsals, Govindu claimed that the movies demanded such scenes.
"If you are agreeable to the terms, you may act. Else, there are others who are ready to act. We, too, grew up with girls at home. Arjun is a talented actor who has acted in 150 films. He started his career as a child actor and has worked with 60-70 actresses. There has been no such complaint. Arjun has a family and grown up daughters. It is not fair to tarnish his image. Our film chamber has always resolved the issues related to our members," claimed Govindu.
If #MeToo is the only good platform for resolving sexual harassment cases, why should we have a film chamber, he asked.
