Delay in justice amounts to apathy

She has captivated audiences through numerous characters over a career that spans nearly two decades.

- NIRMAL JOVIAL

Parvathy Thiruvothu, actor and member of Women in Cinema Collective

Yet, in the past seven years, Parvathy Thiruvothu has taken on a new role—a relentless fighter for her fellow women in cinema. Now, amid a #MeToo movement in Malayalam cinema, Parvathy opens up about the relentless struggle she and the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) have faced. Excerpts from an exclusive interview:

Q/ After the Hema committee report was submitted, it remained in cold storage for over four years. Do you think this delay had a damaging effect on women who were ready to speak before the committee? Were there attempts by powerful individuals to identify those who deposed?

A/ Frankly, I can’t say for certain if any powerful individuals were trying to identify those who were deposing. However, the number of women who came forward was not large, though it proved significant enough. The women who did come forward, did so only after the Hema committee ensured confidentiality. They assured that depositions would not be recorded with audio devices but would be handwritten, a more tedious process. Recounting their trauma and abuse was challenging, requiring them to reread and listen to their stories repeatedly to ensure accuracy. This process took hours and, for some, even days.

It took about one and a half years just to submit the report. During this time, the WCC consistently followed up with them, asking, “Is the report ready? Have you submitted it? Why the delay? Can we assist in any way to expedite the process?”

Q/ Were you checking in with the government or with the committee members?