Women’s safety in entertainment: TV stars and their call for change in industry

The issue of women’s safety in cinema has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly following the #MeToo movement. The latest findings from the Hema Committee Report have fuelled a broader debate on the need for systemic changes to protect women from sexual harassment and abuse within the industry.
This pressing issue extends beyond the film industry to television as well. TV actors are now speaking out about their experiences and advocating for safer working environments.
With many stars sharing their personal stories and calling for reforms, actor Kavita Kaushik, known for her role as Chandramukhi Chautala in FIR, told IndiaToday.in that the position and stature of any female actor define their safety on the set.
“I believe every set can be both safe and unsafe, depending on a woman’s position. If she’s a senior actor or someone in a high-ranking position in the channel, people are less likely to cross boundaries. However, if she’s new or holds a lower position, whether in costume, as an assistant, or on the camera or direction team, her vulnerability increases. A woman’s safety often hinges on the power she holds on set, which ultimately defines her level of risk,” said Kavita.
Adding, the actor who has been a part of various Punjabi films as well, recalled an incident where she helped a guest actor, who faced unwanted advances from a crew member.
“Once, on the sets of FIR, a girl who was playing a guest character approached me. Her role was relatively small, and she wasn’t a well-known actor. Because I was friendly with everyone on set and always engaged in fun and conversations, she felt comfortable coming to me. She complained about a guy who was saying inappropriate things and making advances towards her. I decided to address the situation on set, and in front of the entire crew, I embarrassed him. The person was somewhat known, so I went to the director and explained what had happened,” she said.
“The guy had been trying to ask the girl out, so I turned the situation around by jokingly suggesting, ‘You seem to enjoy going out, so why don’t we all go on a trip together?’ He got the message and didn’t make any further advances towards her or any other girl on set,” Kavita added.
Veteran actor Himani Shivpuri, who has been in the industry for over two decades, and with 200 films in her career graph, has consistently stood her ground, refusing to let anyone take advantage of her. While talking to IndiaToday.in, she recalled a time when women were often taken for granted in the industry.
“It’s happened many times, but I’ve always been very straightforward, even from my theatre days. I’ve never allowed anyone, no matter how prominent a director, to take advantage of me. I’ve worked with some of the biggest names in both Bollywood and theatre, and I’ve always made it clear to them, politely, that ‘I’m an actress, I respect you, but I cannot do this’. There was a time when women were often taken for granted, but I refused to let that happen to me.” Himani told us.
Recalling a personal incident, the actor, known for shows like Sasural Simar Ka and Happu Ki Ultan Pultan, said, “I remember being quite harsh towards one actor, and he was very scared. But, the next day, I acted as if I didn’t remember anything, and we ended up becoming good friends. Because of that, he never tried anything again. These situations have happened to me, but I’ve always been firm because I refuse to tolerate such behaviour.”
As a female producer and owner of Balaji Telefilms and Balaji Motion Pictures, Ektaa Kapoor takes the issue of women’s safety seriously and advocates for more women in leadership roles to “equalize the agency” across various fields.
“Women and their safety is not just an industry issue. (It is) a workplace issue, and we take this very seriously. A lot of women have to lead now, so a lot of women can join forces,” she said during the trailer launch of her latest film The Buckingham Murders.
She added, “You have to change the agency from men to women and equalise the agency. In a lot of places, we need women at the top, at least running companies. For that, women also have to take the initiative. As I say, a report (Hema Commiitte) will come. We’ll read more about it. A conscious effort towards making a safe environment for women in any place of work will come with women leading professional jobs. I think it has to start happening. It is still a very slanted place.”
While some might mince their words, actor Kamya Shalabh Dang has never been afraid to speak her mind. The actor explained that the safety of women on sets is solely the responsibility of the producer. She spoke about how the makers need to be more vigilant and take care of their team by providing basic amenities.
“Producers need to be more mindful of these issues on set. For actors like us, we’re often told to arrange our own security, food, and other amenities, especially during outdoor shoots. We can simply refuse such demands. However, newcomers, who have the heavy responsibility of paying bills and supporting their families, are forced to accept these conditions. They adjust at every level — they’ll stay anywhere, arrange their own meals, and even pay for a doctor if needed. Do producers want to acknowledge this, or are they just focused on increasing their Instagram followers by posting pictures?” Kamya told IndiaToday.in.
She then highlighted the need for change and questioned why producers continue to exploit vulnerable situations. She called for a shift in mindset and action to create safer, more respectful working environments for all.
“Why is there a need for protests or even raising our voices? Why can’t they just bring about the change? I’ve never had to travel to remote locations for shooting, as I’ve always worked in Mumbai. However, there are people who are compelled to shoot in remote locations. Any producers trying to take advantage of their situation should simply stop it,” she concluded.
The ongoing discussion surrounding women’s safety in the entertainment industry highlights the urgent need for systemic change. With stars stepping forward to demand better protection for women on sets, their voices underscore the fact that safety is not just a matter of personal responsibility but also the duty of producers and leadership to build a better environment on sets.