The actor clarified that the incident happened 10 years ago, long before she entered Malayalam cinema, and involved outsiders.
Published Aug 21, 2024 | 12:03 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 21, 2024 | 12:03 PM
Malavika Sreenath clarifies on old casting couch incident. (X)
An old interview with Malayalam actor Malavika Sreenath has resurfaced and is gaining attention following the release of the controversial Justice Hema Committee Report.
In the interview, Malavika Sreenath spoke about a casting couch experience she encountered during the early stages of her career.
On Tuesday, 20 August, the actor took to Instagram to clarify the incident, saying it involved individuals “not related to cinema”. She emphasised that the perpetrators were fraudsters conducting fake auditions for financial gain.
“Please stop spreading false information. The video clip currently circulating is just a small part of an interview, and many people haven’t watched the entire interview or understood the real incident,” Malavika Sreenath said in her post.
She added, “The experience I shared happened 10 years ago, long before I entered the film industry. It involved individuals who were not related to cinema, conducting a fake audition for financial gain.”
Malavika Sreenath also stressed that there is no connection between her casting couch experience and the Justice Hema Committee Report.
“My video has no connection with the current issues being discussed. I request everyone to stop sharing the clip for attention and to stop spreading fake news. I have no role in the ongoing issues,” she clarified.
In the old interview, Malavika Sreenath revealed that she faced a casting couch incident after responding to a casting call claiming to be for a movie starring Manju Warrier.
She attended the audition with her mother and younger sister. During the audition, an individual approached her, demanded sexual favours, and grabbed her. However, Malavika Sreenath quickly escaped the situation.
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The Justice Hema Committee Report, which confirmed the existence of sexual harassment and abuse, highlighted the insecurity faced by female actors in the Malayalam film industry. The report also criticised the Malayalam film fraternity for discriminating against women and even engaging in lobbying.
The release of the Justice Hema Committee Report created a stir in the Malayalam film industry, which is known for producing high-quality films. Opposition parties, filmmakers, and public figures found fault with the government for delaying the publication of the report, which was handed over four years ago.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
