Khushbu Sundar Breaks Silence on Her Father’s Abuse, Urges Women in Film Industry to Stand Strong

New revelations of abuse continue to surface in the Malayalam film industry following the public release of a comprehensive report by the three-member Justice Hema Committee. The 235-page report, made public last week, details numerous instances of sexual harassment and exploitation faced by actresses within the industry, causing widespread uproar and calls for reform.

Women Should Never Compromise, Says Khushbu Sundar

Amid these disturbing disclosures, BJP leader and actress Khushbu Sundar has spoken out strongly against the prevalence of sexual abuse in the film industry. In a recent social media post, she stated, “The pervasive ‘MeToo’ culture in the film industry can break you. Women working in cinema should never compromise under any circumstances.”

She further emphasized the need for systemic change, saying, “While the Hema Committee was necessary to address and prevent rape cases, will its findings truly put an end to such atrocities? Abuse, demands for sexual favors, and expectations of compromise happen across all fields, not just in entertainment. Why should only women endure this? Men also face such situations, but it’s women who bear the brunt of the consequences.”

Khushbu Sundar Reflects on Her Father’s Abuse

Addressing questions about why she took so long to speak publicly about the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, Khushbu Sundar shared a heartfelt response. “Some people ask me why it took so many years to talk about my father’s misconduct. I admit, I should have spoken up earlier. But what I went through was not a compromise to build my career; it was enduring abuse from the very person who should have been my strongest support during my most vulnerable moments.”

Her candid revelation underscores the deep-rooted and complex nature of abuse, highlighting the courage it takes for survivors to come forward and the importance of creating safe spaces for such disclosures.