No Hema Committee Report Will be Done Here; Tamil Industry Will Be Claimed Harassment-Free, Says Singer Chinmayi

Chennai- As the fallout from the Hema Committee report continues to reverberate through the Malayalam film industry, singer and activist Chinmayi Sripada has raised serious concerns about the possibility of meaningful reform in the Tamil film industry.

Chinmayi, a key figure in India's #MeToo movement, expressed deep skepticism regarding the potential for any thorough investigation or accountability in Tamil Nadu's entertainment sector.

On October 9, 2018, she accused Vairamuthu of sexually harassing her in a Twitter thread. Chinmayi has since been actively participating in bringing out sexual harassment cases into the limelight and naming alleged offenders.

The Hema Committee was established to investigate widespread allegations of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry. The report has sparked discussions across South India, with many questioning whether similar initiatives will be undertaken in neighboring states like Tamil Nadu.

Chinmayi, in a pointed social media post, stated, "Nothing is possible, and no Hema Committee report will be done here." She went on to suggest that even if such a report were produced in Tamil Nadu, it would likely be a whitewashed version, falsely claiming that no harassment occurs within the industry.

Chinmayi's Journey in the #MeToo Movement

Chinmayi Sripada first made headlines during India's #MeToo movement when she accused renowned Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu of sexual harassment. On October 9, 2018, she accused Vairamuthu of sexually harassing her in a Twitter thread. “Vairamuthi sir, you KNOW what you did. With due respect your #Timesup. I don’t care if I ever sing or dub in this industry ever. This is my story. And this is the truth,” she had written.

Her allegations were part of a larger wave of claims against prominent figures in the Indian music and film industries. She used her Twitter platform to amplify not only her own experiences but also those of other women who accused various industry personalities, including OS Thyagarajan, Raghu Dixit, and Karthik.

However, her bravery came at a cost. Chinmayi faced significant backlash from powerful sections of Tamil society. Critics accused her of being a "paid stooge" out to tarnish the reputation of their "Tamil nationalist hero." This backlash wasn't just limited to social media; it had real-world consequences for her career. In retaliation for her outspoken stance, she was terminated from the Tamil Film Dubbing Union by Radha Ravi, the leader of the union, on the grounds of non-payment of fees.

Furthermore, she revealed that her singing opportunities in Tamil films dried up post-#MeToo, effectively shadowbanning her from the industry.

Despite these setbacks, Chinmayi continued her fight for justice. She shared evidence of filing a complaint against Vairamuthu and reported the subsequent inaction by authorities. She highlighted this in her social media posts, pointing to the systemic failures that prevent justice from being served in such cases. "Even if they do [conduct a report], they'll create a report that Tamil Industry is safe, no harassment reported," she wrote, reflecting her deep cynicism about the industry's commitment to change.

Chinmayi's criticisms extend beyond just the industry's internal mechanisms. She has also called out the media for its role in perpetuating the culture of silence and bias. She recounted a specific incident involving a journalist from Polimer TV, who questioned her credibility and suggested that women like her make it harder for "real women" to be believed. This kind of media bias, Chinmayi argues, further complicates the struggle for justice in the Tamil film industry.

She also pointed out the reluctance of journalists and media outlets to question powerful figures like Vairamuthu, Radha Ravi, and others accused of harassment. "Why did none of them dare ask Vairamuthu any questions?" she asked. Chinmayi criticized the media's selective coverage and its failure to hold influential personalities accountable, which she believes contributes to the ongoing culture of impunity.