In yet another case of workplace harassment, South Indian actress Amala Paul on Wednesday alleged she was sexually harassed by a Chennai-based businessman.
Talking to reporters after filing a police complaint, Paul said the man asked for sexual favours and used vulgar language while she was preparing for an event. The incident reportedly took place in a dance studio in Chennai.
The actress said: “When I had gone to do dance rehearsal, a man spoke to me unpleasantly, like he was conducting a trade. I was very shocked. I was very humiliated. That's why I immediately came to complain to the police station...He has spoken like he was conducting a sexual trade, for a favour.”
By filing a police complaint against the businessman, Paul is taking a stand against workplace harassment. Paul said she did not want to let the incident go because women should feel safe at their workplaces.
“I should not let it go. Because there are many independent working women like me. If there is no safety then I don't know why we're living,” she said.
Sadly, this is not the first time a female celebrity has had to seek help from police officials to deal with sexual harassment.
In 2013, Malayalam actress Shweta Menon was assaulted by a politician while attending a public function. She filed a case against him but withdrew it later after he apologized.
Early last year, Mollywood, as the Malayalam film industry is popularly know, received a huge jolt when a popular actress filed a case alleging she was abused in a moving car by a gang of seven. Actor Dileep was later arrested in connection with this.
In the past few years, a number of Bollywood actresses have also come forward claiming uncomfortable treatment at workplaces, but the Indian film industry is yet to enforce stringent measures to end sexual harassment.
Sagar Arya
Irvine Iqbal
