Women organisations pledge support to Sri Reddy

A high-level committee with adequate women members should probe complaints of sexual harassment raised by female artistes of Telugu film industry, women’s joint action committee, an umbrella organisation of 10 women’s rights outfits demanded.

Sri Reddy, television anchor-turned-actress, had stripped in front of Movie Artistes Association’s (MAA) head office in the city last week in protest, alleging sexual abuse of women artistes by industry bigwigs.

The committee should have women bureaucrats, police officers and representatives of women’s rights groups. Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, MAA and AP Film Federation should take measures to make work places free of sexual harassment, women’s rights activists demanded. “Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce should institute an internal complaints committee to which women can make complaints. They should display posters on the definitions, procedures, penalties and reporting mechanisms of sexual harassment in all workplaces attached to the film industry,” Ms. Devi, a cultural activist, said at the media briefing.

Tollywood artiste Apoorva said Telugu film industry should be cleansed of sexual abusers. The activists asked male stars of Telugu filmdom to stand in support of Sri Reddy. The group had earlier met Ministry of Cinematography Srinivas Yadav to put forth their demands.