Parvathy Thiruvothu, Bhagyalakshmi engage in public spat over Women in Cinema Collective

Actor Parvathy Thiruvothu and senior dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi engaged in a public spat over the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) at an event in Kozhikode. The exchange of words between the two celebrities took place dramatically and it was the first instance of a direct confrontation between Bhagyalakshmi, who has often criticised the WCC, and a senior functionary of the collective.

Parvathy, who spoke on the issues affecting women in the cinema sector, also referred to the Hema Committee report and said that the WCC had offered a space for women in the film industry to open up about their troubles and also raise criticism.

Bhagyalakshmi, who was seated among the audience, stood up to reply to Parvathy. After suggesting WCC expand its activities to protect women in the film industry, Bhagyalakshmi said that the collective should also make efforts to spend time with women who wish to share their experiences. “Many women, including artists and technicians in the film industry, approach me seeking guidance to approach you. The WCC should consider their request,” she said.

In her response to Bhagyalakshmi, Parvathy posed a question, “You know me very well and it would not be difficult for you to obtain my phone number. Why don’t you join the WCC?” The audience greeted Parvathy’s statement with a big applause.

However, Bhagyalakshmi replied sharply to the comment and also publicly revealed the reasons behind her differences with the WCC. She said she learned that some WCC members did not want her in the organization even during its formation.

“On the morning that you planned to meet the Chief Minister to submit the complaint, you had discussed the matter with me. However, I later saw on TV that you met the minister without me. I enquired about it and a person in your group told me that some of you did not want me to join you. When I realized that certain people in your group didn’t need me, I kept away from WCC,” said Bhagyalakshmi.