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Lights, Camera, Accountability!
Reimagining Karnataka’s Screen and Stage
Speakers
In response to growing concerns about sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the Malayalam film industry, the Kerala government constituted the Justice Hema Committee in 2017. Led by retired judge Justice K. Hema, along with actress Sharada and former bureaucrat K.B. Valsalakumari, the committee was tasked with investigating the working conditions of women in the industry and recommending measures to improve safety and gender equity.
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a group founded by women in the Malayalam film industry, played a crucial role in highlighting these issues. Formed in the wake of a high-profile assault case involving a leading female actor, the WCC advocated for the safety and rights of women, pushing for systemic reforms and engaging with the committee to provide testimonies and insights. Their efforts were instrumental in the establishment of the committee and the shaping of its recommendations, which called for systemic changes to address harassment, exploitation, and the lack of representation of women in leadership roles within the industry.
This session is an attempt to dive deep into and critically examine the Justice Hema Committee report, its findings and its implications for the Kannada entertainment industry. This two-part event aims to foster open dialogue about industry practices and explore solutions for a safer, more equitable work environment.
The evening begins with lawyer Ashwini Obulesh presenting a primer on the report’s key findings, making them accessible to a general audience. This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring prominent practitioners and stakeholders from Kannada film, television, and theatre, moderated by Kirtana Kumar.
Panelists will discuss current industry challenges, potential solutions, and provide a blueprint for implementing safeguarding measures. This event seeks to raise awareness, catalyse meaningful change, and offer a model for addressing similar issues in other regional entertainment sectors.
Speakers
Ashwini Obulesh
Ashwini is an advocate practising before the High Court of Karnataka. She is the recipient of the Vikram Singh Gold Medal for Young Leader of the Year during her B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) (2013) and the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Gold Medal during her LL.M. (2022) at the convocation ceremony of the National Law School of India University.
She has worked in diverse legal arenas such as the corporate, public policy, litigation and legal activism over the past decade. Ashwini has also been associated with several women and child rights based organisations and has worked on their projects in various capacities – as legal advisor, advocate, volunteer, etc.
Ashwini started Dhwani Legal Trust in 2019, an organisation that aspires to provide legal aid, especially to persons from poor and marginalized communities, thereby empowering them to establish their rights. She also works as Coordinator, Samvidhaan Fellowship, Nyaaya.
Du Saraswathi
Du Saraswathi, born on April 20, 1963, in Bengaluru, is a prominent Kannada Dalit feminist writer, theatre artist, and activist. Educated in Bengaluru, she has been actively involved in theatre, visual arts, and the Women’s and Dalit Movements for over 25 years. Her notable works include poetry collections such as “Henade Jadanante” and the autobiographical “Igen Madiri.” Saraswathi also writes the satirical column “Sanntimmi,” which explores how rural Dalit women engage with issues like globalization and social norms, reflecting her deep commitment to social justice and cultural expression.
Chetan Ahimsa
Chetan Kumar, also known as Chetan Ahimsa, is an Indian actor and social activist prominently associated with the Kannada film industry. Born and raised in the United States, Chetan graduated from Yale University with a degree in South Asian Studies. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, which allowed him to conduct research in India on Kannada theatre as a medium of social change. This experience played a significant role in shaping his perspectives on social issues.
After moving to India, Chetan pursued a career in acting and quickly gained recognition. Beyond his work in cinema, he is deeply committed to fostering social change. Known for his outspoken nature, Chetan actively participates in social movements and uses his platform to advocate for equality and justice, making him a prominent voice in the fight for social change in India.
Sharanya Ramprakash
Sharanya Ramprakash, a Bengaluru-based theatremaker, explores gender, tradition, and language through her innovative work. Her research-based approach is exemplified in productions like the META award-winning “Akshayambara”, which examines masculinity in Yakshagana, and “I Am Not Here”, featured at the Singapore Fringe Festival 2020. Ramprakash’s collaborative spirit shines in “Nava”, a play developed with transwomen, and “Mythology Upon the Table”, an Asian queer interpretation of Homer’s Odyssey. Her work has been showcased at international festivals, including the Taiwan International Festival of the Arts.
An INLAKS scholar and Lincoln Centre Director’s Lab member, Ramprakash recently completed a research project on Kannada Company Theatre actresses, culminating in the touring production “Project Darling”. As a fellow at Our Voices, Our Futures, she contributes to feminist policy-making efforts. Ramprakash’s multifaceted career continues to challenge perspectives in Indian theatre, giving voice to marginalised narratives and exploring complex social issues. Her commitment to pushing boundaries in performing arts cements her position as a significant figure in contemporary Indian theatre.
Muktha Deedi Chand
Muktha is an Assistant Professor at St Joseph’s University and Research Scholar at Christ University, Bangalore. She completed her Master of Science in Visual Communication from Loyola College Chennai and Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore.She is a frequenter at the International Film Festival of India, Goa, and International Film Festival of Kerala. She is also associated with several films and documentaries including ‘John’, a feature film made in tribute to the veteran filmmaker John Abraham, ‘Rise’ a documentary on the saleswomen’s right to sit and Sunanda – from the documentary series ‘Bereaved Spouses’ aiming to acknowledge the unacknowledged contributions of women, which was featured at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala 2018. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Workplace and Cinema .
Kirtana Kumar
Kirtana Kumar is an actor, director and filmmaker. She trained with The Asian-American Theatre Project at The Los Angeles Theatre Centre and has a Master’s Degree in European Classics and American Literature. She runs Little Jasmine Theatre Project, Theatre Lab (Youth) and Infinite Souls Farm & Artists Retreat. She recently wrote a book of short stories called Bangalore Blues.
