Actress Sowmya reveals human rights violations faced in Malayalam cinema

Actress Sowmya, who gained fame in the 90s, has opened up about the human rights violations she endured in the Malayalam film industry. While she shared her traumatic experience of being groomed by a Tamil director for exploitation, she also highlighted disturbing incidents from her time in Malayalam cinema. Speaking in an interview with NDTV, Sowmya disclosed that although she wasn’t directly sexually exploited in Kerala, the environment was rife with harassment and unequal treatment. One incident that stood out occurred during her debut Malayalam film, where she encountered a distressing culture on set. According to her, hairdressers and junior artists were often called to the rooms of actors and directors late at night, creating a threatening atmosphere. Fortunately, her father’s presence ensured she was shielded from such advances, but the fear still left a mark. According to On Manorama, Sowmya also recounted a humiliating experience where she was made to sit on a traditional weighing scale, known as 'Thulabharam,' during a shoot. To her dismay, she fell off in front of the crew, who seemed to take pleasure in her discomfort. She noted that the assistant directors smirked as she struggled. The actress speculated that if popular actor Jayaram had been in her position, the crew would have treated the situation with more respect and concern.The continuous incidents of mistreatment and the toxic atmosphere made her question her love for acting, leading her to prioritize her education instead. Despite her passion for being in front of the camera, the hostile environment took a toll on her, driving her away from the industry.Also See: Best Malayalam Movies Of 2024 | Top Rated Malayalam Movies Of 2024| Latest Malayalam Movies