Shabana Azmi on Hema panel report: Women in India are suppressed since 16th century

Actor Shabana Azmi discussed women's suppression in India and the Hema Committee Report on harassment in Malayalam cinema at IIFA 2024.

In Short

• Shabana Azmi spoke on women's suppression in India at IIFA 2024
• She discussed the harassment reported in the Hema Committee Report
• Shabana expressed her wish for a re-release of her 1982 film Arth

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi recently spoke about the suppression of women in India across centuries as she was asked about the Justice Hema Committee Report during media interactions at IIFA (International Indian Film Academy Awards) 2024.

"You must understand that women in India have had their own journey across centuries. From the 16th to the 21st, they've progressed, but are also suppressed," Shabana said when asked about the harassment female artists in Malayalam cinema faced, which came to light in the Hema Committee Report.

She added, "Women have been this contradiction in India—of progression and suppression, just like India itself."

The Hema Committee Report shed light on the widespread and persistent sexual harassment faced by women in Malayalam cinema, with many alleging they were subjected to unwanted advances even before commencing work. It also highlighted that basic amenities—such as changing rooms and toilets—were not provided for women. Apart from harassment claims, the report also mentioned that women were paid far less than their male counterparts.

During an interaction with the media in Abu Dhabi, where IIFA 2024 is scheduled to take place on September 28, Shabana Azmi also expressed her wish for the re-release of her 1982 film Arth, which was directed by Mahesh Bhatt and featured actor Anupam Kher alongside her. The film's central theme is women's empowerment.

Shabana Azmi recently completed 50 years in Indian cinema. She was last seen in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, which also starred Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Dharmendra, and Jaya Bachchan.