Khushbu Sundar Addresses Abuse and the Impact of Me Too in Malayalam Cinema
Actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar has spoken out about her personal experiences and the broader issue of abuse within the Malayalam film industry amidst the ongoing #MeToo movement. In a statement on her official X account, Sundar praised the Kerala government’s Justice K Hema Committee, established to address abuse in the industry following the 2017 actress assault case. The committee’s recent 235-page report details numerous instances of harassment and exploitation of women in Malayalam cinema.
Sundar, who has previously revealed her own traumatic experiences of abuse, stressed the importance of solidarity and support for victims. She emphasized the need for women to stand firm and not compromise their integrity, while also highlighting that abuse can occur in various fields, not just the film industry.
Reflecting on her own past, Sundar recounted being sexually abused by her father at a young age and criticized those who question why she didn’t speak out sooner. She underlined that such abuse was not a compromise for career advancement but a violation of trust and protection from a figure who should have been her strongest supporter.
In a recent interview, Sundar also recounted a troubling encounter with a producer early in her career, describing how she confronted him to assert her boundaries and maintain her dignity.
Sundar’s comments come as a powerful call for both women and men to support survivors of abuse and to challenge the systemic issues that perpetuate such behavior.