Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar has publicly reflected on the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, saying she should have spoken out sooner. The revelation, first made in 2023, resurfaced in a poignant post on social media, which comes amid a wave of #MeToo allegations in the Malayalam cinema industry.
“I was abused at the hands of the person who was supposed to provide me the strongest arms to hold me if I fell,” Sundar wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The abuse began when she was eight years old, and Sundar took a stand against it at 15, which led to her father abandoning the family.
In her post, Sundar expressed regret over not speaking out earlier but clarified that her silence was not a career move. “Some ask me what took me so long to speak about my father’s abuse. I agree I should have spoken earlier. But what happened to me was not a compromise to build my career,” she wrote.
Her statements come in the wake of the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2017 actress assault case. A recent report by the Kerala government-appointed Justice Hema Committee has brought to light widespread harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. This has encouraged many female actors to come forward with their experiences of abuse.
Supporting the Committee’s findings, Sundar underscored the need for such initiatives to break the cycle of abuse in the industry. “The Hema Committee was much needed to break the abuse. But will it?” she questioned.
Sundar urged women not to compromise their dignity and called on men to stand with victims of sexual harassment. “To all the men out there, I implore you to stand by the victim and show your unwavering support,” she added.
Highlighting the pervasive nature of abuse across industries, Sundar wrote, “Abuse, asking for sexual favors, and expecting women to compromise to gain a foothold or accelerate their careers exist in every field. Why is a woman alone expected to go through the grind? Although men too face it, it’s marginally women who bear the brunt.”
She also addressed the stigma and victim-blaming that often prevent women from speaking out. “The fear of being shamed, victim blaming, and questions like ‘why did you do it’ or ‘What made you do it’ break the woman,” Sundar explained. She emphasized the importance of empathy, understanding, and collective action to create a safer environment for women.
The Kerala government recently announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team to look into allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation within the film industry. This decision has prompted more women to come forward with their stories, signaling a possible turning point in the fight against abuse in Malayalam cinema.
“Remember, we are stronger together, and only together can we mend these wounds and pave the way for a safer, more compassionate world,” Sundar concluded.
