New Delhi: The Justice Hema Committee's report has shaken up the entire Malayalam film industry. Recently, on Saturday, veteran and acclaimed actor Mohanlal shared his thoughts about the 233-page report that shed light on the plight of women in the industry and revealed shocking incidents of sexual and mental harassment faced by women artistes in the entertainment industry.
Actor Mohanlal, on Saturday in an interaction with the press, said he was not part of any power group in the Malayalam film industry and had Nono knowledge of the existence of any such group in the sector.
The veteran actor said that Malayalam cinema is a huge industry where thousands of people work and the actors's association AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) could not address issues that cropped up there.
The executive panel of the Association headed by him resigned recently in the wake of allegations being raised against it after the release of the report by Justice Hema Committee, he told news agency PTI.
It is for the first time that Mohanlal, former president of AMMA, addressed media following the release of the expert panel report.
"Wrongdoers should be punished if there is evidence against them," the 'Kireedam' actor said while referring to the allegations of sexual misconduct that came to light against some of the members of the Association.
"I am not part of any power group in Malayalam cinema and not aware of the existence of any such group," the actor said.
On sexual abuse allegations in the Malayalam film industry, Mohanlal added, "...Problems faced by junior artists are also being looked into...We will cooperate in the investigation process. We are here only to set things right. I am not aware of any such power group. I am not a part of it. I have not read the Hema Committee report," news agency ANI quoted.
He also said the release of Hema Committee report was a good decision of the government besides also adding that he had himself not read the report.
( with inputs from PTI)