Monday, February 17th, 2025

‘The father’s hands that hold me when I fall, they abuse me’, Khushboo Sundar expresses her pain over harassment in the industry

There is a stir in the Malayalam film industry after the report of Justice Hema Committee. Since this report, new revelations are being made continuously in this case. Actress and BJP leader Khushboo Sundar has spoken openly on the allegations of harassment in the Malayalam film industry. She has expressed her Mann Ki Baat through a social media post, in which she has also talked about being abused by her father at a young age.

Khushboo Sundar has written a long note and expressed support for the women who raised their voice against the harassment they faced. She has written in her post-

Why is only a woman expected to bear this pain?

‘The #MeToo moment in our industry has shattered us. Salute to the women who stood their ground and succeeded. The Hema Committee report was desperately needed to stop abuse, but will it do so? Abuse, demands for sexual favours and expectations of compromise from women to advance in their careers happen in every field. Why is only a woman expected to bear this pain alone? Though men also face it, it is mostly women who have to bear the brunt of it.

Had a long conversation with my 24 and 21 year old daughters

I have had long discussions with my daughters, 24 and 21, on this issue. I am amazed at the empathy and understanding they have for the victims. They fully support them and stand by them at this time. It doesn’t matter if you speak up today or tomorrow, just speak up. Speaking up immediately heals and will help the investigation well.’

Blaming the victim and asking questions like why did you do it breaks them down

Fear of embarrassment, victim blaming and questions like why did you do this or why were you compelled to do this break them down. The victim may be a stranger to you or me, but she needs our support, a hearing and emotional support from all of us. When we ask why she did not speak up earlier, we must consider her circumstances – not everyone has the luxury of speaking up.

shakes the foundations of our faith, love, and strength

As a woman and a mother, witnessing this kind of violence leaves deep scars, not just in the body but also in the soul. These brutal acts shake the foundations of our faith, love, and strength. Behind every mother is a desire to nurture and protect, and when this sanctity is broken, it affects us all.

‘People ask why it took so long to speak out about father’s abuse’

Some people ask me why I took so long to speak about my father’s abuse. I admit I should have spoken earlier but what happened to me was not a compromise to build my career. I suffered abuse at the hands of the person who was supposed to hold me with the strongest arms when I fell.

Stand with the victim and show your support

To all men, I request you to stand with the victim and show your support. Every man is born to a woman who has endured immense pain and sacrifice. Many women play a vital role in your upbringing, shaping you into the person you are today, your mother, sisters, aunties, teachers and friends.

Show that respect and empathy through your actions

Your support can be a ray of hope for them. Stand with us, protect us and honor the women who have given you life and love. Raise your voice and show through your actions the respect and empathy every woman deserves. Remember, we are stronger together and only together can we heal these wounds and pave the way towards a safer, more compassionate world. Understand that many women do not even have the support of their families. They come from small towns, with stars in their eyes, hoping to shine but often their dreams are crushed too soon.

Your NO is definitely NO

This should be a wake-up call for everyone. Exploitation must end here. Women, come out and speak up. Remember, you always have a choice in life. Your NO is definitely NO. Never compromise on your dignity and respect. Never. I stand with all women who have faced this. As a mother and as a woman.’

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