Bengali Actors Call for Action Against Abuse

The entertainment industry faces renewed scrutiny over allegations of sexual abuse, as activist and filmmaker Joel Lamangan is accused by actor Ahron Villena of inappropriate behavior during film production. Villena's claims, although not directly naming Lamangan, sparked discussions about the prevalent abuse in the industry. In response to a report on sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry, Bengali actor Ritabhari Chakraborty has called for an investigation in Tollywood, emphasizing that similar abuses have plagued the Bengali film industry as well. Chakraborty urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to initiate reforms akin to the Hema Commission's findings in Kerala, advocating for accountability and the exposure of predatory behavior. She highlighted the fears actresses face in speaking out against influential figures in the industry and demanded urgent action to protect aspiring talents from exploitation. The ongoing discourse reflects a broader reckoning within the film industry regarding sexual harassment and the treatment of women.