Actress Revathy Sampath has come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against prominent Malayalam actor Siddique, who also serves as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). These allegations have caused shockwaves in the Malayalam film industry. In an interview with Indian news agency ANI, Sampath revealed that her troubling experience with Siddique began when she was in her late teens.
She described how Siddique initially approached her through a fake social media account and addressed her as ‘daughter’. After expressing interest in acting, Siddique allegedly lured her into a meeting under the guise of discussing a film opportunity. However, during the meeting, his behavior turned aggressive and sexual, leaving Sampath feeling scared and helpless. She further detailed how Siddique physically assaulted her and threatened to ruin her career if she spoke out.
Sampath expressed her disappointment with the lack of support and resources available to her when she sought help. Despite taking legal action once, she feels unable to do so again without assurances of security and protection. She is willing to provide evidence of Siddique’s misconduct, including messages on Messenger and WhatsApp. Siddique, known for his roles in numerous Malayalam and Tamil films, faces serious allegations at a time when the industry is already dealing with systemic issues highlighted in the Justice Hema Committee report.
The report, released on August 19, shed light on the mistreatment of women in the Malayalam film industry, prompting further allegations against other industry figures. Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra accused Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith, resulting in his resignation as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy. This wave of allegations has caught the attention of Kerala’s Cultural and Youth Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, who has promised a thorough investigation into the claims.
Cherian emphasized the government’s commitment to holding wrongdoers accountable, ensuring that action will be taken if allegations against Ranjith are proven. The controversy surrounding Siddique and the broader issues raised by the Hema Committee report have sparked demands for greater accountability within the industry. Filmmaker Biju has called for Ranjith’s immediate removal and criticized perceived governmental inaction in addressing these issues.
The allegations against Siddique and other industry figures have put a spotlight on the need for reform and change within the Malayalam film industry. It is essential for the industry to address systemic issues, create safer environments for all individuals, and ensure that justice is served for those who have experienced misconduct. Moving forward, transparency, accountability, and support for survivors must be the top priorities to create a healthier and more inclusive industry.
