Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was all praise for actor Mohanlal on Saturday. Calling him an artist who requires no epithets, the CM said Mohanlal has played a significant role in raising Malayalam cinema's popularity and that Malayalam is indebted to him. His remarks came while presenting the veteran actor with the Sreekumaran Thampi Foundation award as part of celebrating the centenary of the poet, lyricist and director.
"A towering figure in Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal is responsible for raising the industry's fame. Malayalam is indebted to Mohanlal. Someone who holds Kerala and its people close to his heart, Mohanlal's humanity deserves a special mention," said the CM.
The praise comes at a time when the Malayalam film industry is faced with a barrage of sexual harassment and rape allegations, which even saw Mohanlal resigning as president of the actors' association AMMA. Earlier today, Mohanlal addressed the crisis to the media for the first time since the Hema Commission report came out. He said he was not part of any power group, nor was he aware of the existence of such a nexus in the Malayalam film industry. He further said those who have done wrong should be punished.
Talking about women's safety in the film industry, Pinarayi said women should have the freedom to come forward and showcase their artistic skills in the film industry without any fear. No conditions should be imposed upon them. "There should be no system that is anti-skill," he said.
He also said that the state government was duty-bound to provide a safe working environment for women in the film industry and has carried out effective interventions to ensure that.
The CM further said that the constitution of the Justice Hema Committee, after receiving a few complaints from women in the film sector, shows the government's determination to safeguard women's right to work and their dignity.
The Justice Hema Committee was constituted by the Kerala government after the 2017 actress assault case and its report revealing instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.
