Kerala govt appoints three-member panel to study issues of women in film industry

The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday appointed a three-member committee to study the various issues and needs of women engaged in the Malayalam film industry and suggest measures.

Speaking to IANS, State Minister for Cinema and Culture A.K. Balan said the decision comes after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met a delegation of women professionals from the film industry last month and assured them that their demands will be looked into.

The committee is led by retired Justice K. Hema.

"Besides the retired judge, the others are leading yesteryear actress Sarada and former bureaucrat K.B. Valsalakumari. They will be speaking to all those involved in the industry to first ascertain what their issues are and then they will suggest remedial measures. Even though no time-frame has been fixed, they will be submitting their report without delay so we can take appropriate action," said Balan.

Last month, some women professionals from the film industry got together and formed a body named Women's Collective in Cinema, the first such organisation by women which includes top actresses, technicians and others associated with the Malayalam film industry.

Actress Manju Warrier, Rima Kallingal, Parvathy and Sajitha Madathil are part of the group.