When the #metoo movement hit Hollywood, we hopefully assumed that it will be only a matter of time before the winds of change blow over to the Indian film industry. Then, Tanushree Dutta happened to Bollywood and floodgates were opened. Now industry insiders are vouching to make change happen to ensure safe working spaces for everyone, especially the aspiring newcomers who are usually more vulnerable to exploitation. Kumar Mangat Pathak is one of the producers has already introduced a no-harassment form for aspiring actors who come looking for work to his production company Panorama Studios.
According to a report in Mid-Day, the distributor of films like Andhadhun, The Sky Is Pink, and producer of Drishyam and Raid, Pathak has come up with this new system in a bid to end casting couch incidents. Actors will now get to give their feedback on their casting experiences through these no-harassment forms. Reportedly CCTV cameras have been installed in the audition rooms and the new guidelines will also ensure that all auditions happen on office premises strictly. If there are any complaints about harassment or mistreatment, then a 10-member redressal committee, which includes a legal POSH expert, will work on addressing the incident within a fortnight.
The new system was implemented about two months ago according to Pathak. It was a step taken to ensure workplace safety after one of the production house’s casting directors, Vicky Sidana was accused of sexually harassing multiple aspiring actresses. When the allegations became public, the production house terminated all ties with Sidana.
Hopefully, this new system would bring about a positive change and curb the exploitation of the thousands of aspirant who flock to the city of dreams to become actors, not only in Panorama Studios, but all of Bollywood.
