Allegations on veteran artists of the south film industry has sent shockwaves in the industry and their fans.
After pointing out at alleged sexual predators in the field of journalism, standup comedy, and Hindi film industry, on social media, #MeToo wave has now hit south cinema.
Senior lyricist Vairamuthu, who has penned several songs in Tamil, has been accused of sexually harassing women. At least two women anonymously said that they were groped and molested by Vairamuthu.
An unnamed woman alleged in a message on Twitter, according to her, the incident took place when she was 18, working with Vairamuthu on a project. She wrote, “In the pretext (sic) of explaining lyrics, he came to me, hugged me and kissed me. I did not know what to do. I said OK sir, thank you and ran from his house.”
Another anonymous woman accuses veteran actor Radha Ravi of hugging and kissing her during the same meeting and also asked her to meet him again alone and without a friend this time.
“Finish this work nicely and we’ll meet again. You look good. Don’t come with your friend, come alone (sic),” were the words revealed by the anonymous lady on Twitter on Tuesday morning.
The woman also said that Ravi is influential in terms of political power like Vairamuthu and she gave up on it for the same reason.
Read the tweet here:
I cannot stop shaking.
My Friend will remain anonymous.
Why people cannot share at the risk of their careers.
And bloody hell !! pic.twitter.com/REj1UcTxtL
Adding another victim’s story. pic.twitter.com/ZrId3wPfrO
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi)
I *will* sing the songs that I have sung in his lyrics so far.
Dheivam Thanda Poove, Sara Sara, Mayya are some of my finest songs that display MY singing prowess in some composer’s fantastic work.
Anyway I am sure *HE* will make sure I dont sing anymore. https://t.co/IbGP5iorlD
Users on social media are slamming these two Tamil artists for misusing their power and instilling fear in the minds of many women.
Samantha, who has increasingly been speaking out against gender discrimination, took to Twitter and wrote, “I am so happy that more and more women are finding the strength to say #MeToo. Your bravery is commendable. I am sorry though that some people, even other women themselves will shame and burden you with the question of proof and doubt. Just know that you are saving many little girls with your voice. I support the #MeTooIndia movement.”
It’s alarming to hear the number of stories.They say it’s better late than never.Thank you to all the women that r being so strong to come out with their stories I stood up last year I urge every woman affected to stand up,we need to fight for our rights pic.twitter.com/5EgWmTTCxL
— varu sarathkumar (@varusarath)
Actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar also tweeted in support of #MeToo movement, saying that it was "alarming" to hear these stories.
She said that she had stood up for #MeToo last year and that she wanted more women to come forward and speak up.
Shockingly, the #MeToo campaign also hit Mollywood actor and LDF MLA Mukesh.
Director and producer Tess Joseph of Indian cinema has revealed that Kerala MLA Mukesh had behaved badly with her in a hotel when she was just 20 years old. This incident happened 19 years ago. She wrote that she was one of the crew members of the Malayalam quiz show Kodeeswaran, hosted by Mukesh.
I was 20 years old quiz directing when the mallu host called my room multiple times and then changed my room to beside his on the next sch. My then boss spoke to me for an hour & got me out on the next flight. 19 yrs on thank you Derek.
— Tess Joseph (@Tesselmania)
Tess worked as a technician then for the TV programme and Mukesh used to reportedly force her to shift her room next to his.
Now people are waiting for more skeletons to tumble out of the closet.
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