Actor meets Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to form anti-abuse committee inspired by Hema panel

Ritabhari Chakraborty, Mamata Banerjee Photo credits: Instagram/Ritabhari Chakraborty; PTI

Actor Ritabhari Chakraborty met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to follow up on her earlier request to set up a committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment within the Bengali film industry, inspired by the Hema committee on Malayalam cinema.

Ritabhari, a prominent figure in Bengali cinema, met the Chief Minister on Tuesday, September 10 amid ongoing street protests over the killing of a woman doctor at RG Kar Hospital last month.

On Wednesday, Ritabhari shared an update on her Instagram account, saying, “The Chief Minister has heard all the problems plaguing women in the Bengali film industry.” “Yesterday, Chief Minister @mamta responded to our request to create a body similar to the official Hema Committee. My request to not have any political name or film personality in the body was heard,” he said in another post.

Ritabhari clarified her neutral stance, “not representing any party. On behalf of women in Tollywood – in a meeting yesterday – the Chief Minister heard all the issues that have plagued women in the Bengali film industry for ages and a step has been taken to clear it up. This from the hunters.”

He expressed optimism but acknowledged the need for patience, saying, “Investigation takes time, but we are hopeful of a solution.”

During his discussions with the chief minister, Ritabhari proposed the formation of an “impartial committee consisting of five members”. She suggested that the panel be chaired by a retired judge and include women from various professions, such as doctors and lawyers. The committee will aim to investigate the incidence of sexual harassment in the Bengali film industry and prepare a comprehensive report.

Responding to an Instagram user’s question about her stand on the RG tax case, Ritavri said, “The case remains a top priority. While the formation of this committee is an important step to protect women in the film industry, it does not mean that the RG tax situation has been resolved.”

Earlier, Ritabhari had advocated for such a committee in her social media posts, urging the chief minister to consider its recommendations. He said the establishment of such a committee would be “the first step in dismantling the system of exploitation.” Reflecting on the impact of the Hema Committee’s findings on Malayalam cinema, Ritabhari questioned why similar measures were not adopted in Bengali cinema.

She expressed concern for the safety of aspiring actresses, noting, “Reports of harassment are all too familiar to me and others I know. We have a responsibility to protect young actresses who enter the industry with dreams, only to face exploitation.”