In an explosive revelation that has left the Tamil film industry buzzing, Malayalam actress Padmapriya Janakiraman has finally spoken about a horrifying incident that occurred years ago on the set of a Tamil film. While speaking at a Kozhikode event, the acclaimed actress disclosed that she was publicly slapped by a well-known Tamil filmmaker, in front of the entire crew. The shocking part? The media at the time twisted the narrative and shockingly blamed her instead!
Padmapriya, without naming the director or film, recounted how the incident occurred after the shooting wrapped up. Rather than facing public outrage, the filmmaker’s actions were downplayed, while the media reported that it was Padmapriya who had slapped the director—a complete distortion of events! The actress clarified, “If I slapped him, why would I go to the film associations to complain?”
This shocking incident throws a harsh light on the rampant misogyny and mistreatment women often face in the film industry. Padmapriya revealed that the director faced a mere six-month ban from filmmaking after this incident. However, the trauma forced her to step away from Tamil cinema for good, despite her rising stardom.
Her revelations come amidst increasing scrutiny of gender-based harassment in Indian cinema, especially following the damning Justice Hema Committee report that exposes the vile exploitation and harassment faced by women in Malayalam films. Padmapriya’s brave admission only scratches the surface of the deeper, darker culture of silence and manipulation in the industry.
With this bombshell, will the Tamil film industry finally reckon with its problematic past? Or will Padmapriya’s powerful words, like so many others, get lost in the din? Stay tuned as this controversial saga unfolds!