Veteran actor Nassar emphasised that film sets have become safer for women, thanks to the implementation of strong codes of conduct and rules ensuring civil behaviour. This shift in safety standards follows the Justice Hema Committee report, which exposed harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. At the IIFA Utsavam green carpet, the 66-year-old reflected on these changes over his 40-year career.
“I have to admit, when I started in the 80s, we focused solely on production with minimal safety measures, especially during stunts and dance sequences. Now, safety protocols are mandatory, covering both physical and psychological aspects. There are strict rules and codes of conduct regarding interactions with women, ensuring everyone feels safe,” he explained.
The Justice Hema Committee report, released by the Kerala government last month—over four years after it was submitted to the Chief Minister—provided a scathing critique of the discrimination and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. This 233-page document, even with redactions, sparked widespread outrage, leading to several public allegations against prominent figures.
At the gala night’s green carpet, Nassar reflected on being one of the pioneers of pan-Indian cinema before it became trendy. When asked about the differences among various Indian film industries, he stated, “Each industry has a different approach. I can’t say one is better than the other; they all have their own methods.”
