The Hema Committee report sent shockwaves in the country as it detailed the rampant discrimination and sexual exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. In the three weeks since the findings were made public, more women have come forward with sexual misconduct allegations, executive committee members of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) have resigned, and the industry’s dark side has been exposed. At a time when the #MeToo movement is resurfacing in India, actor Anushka Ranjan has teamed up with her producer-mother Anu Ranjan’s not-for-profit organisation, Beti, to set up a panel in Mumbai that will provide assistance to survivors of sexual violence.

“In light of the growing challenges women face today, it’s crucial to expand our efforts towards women empowerment. The establishment of this expert panel is a step towards ensuring that women, who have suffered from sexual violence, receive the support they need—be it legal, psychological, or social. We want to create a safe space where they can speak up, seek help, and rebuild their lives with dignity,” says Anushka.