In what has come as a pleasant surprise, popular Malayalam actor Prithviraj today posted on Facebook announcing that the woman actor who was sexually assaulted a few days ago has made a ‘courageous’ return to the sets. Prithviraj also apologized for the misogyny in his films in the past.
Perhaps the first ever Malayalam actor to publicly apologise for mouthing misogynistic dialogues in his movies, the actor also promised that never again in his films will he allow women to be disrespected. Though many from the Malayalam industry have spoken up for the survivor, this is the first time that a male actor has acknowledged the impact that films have in encouraging misogyny and consequently creating a culture where violence against women is condoned rather than condemned.
“And to those voices I apologise..for at an age and time when I wasn't wise enough..I have been part of films that celebrated misogyny..I have mouthed lines that vilified regard for your self respect and I have taken a bow to the claps that ensued,” (sic) he posted on Facebook on Saturday morning.
“NEVER AGAIN..never again will I let disrespect for women be celebrated in my movies! Yes..I'm an actor and this is my craft! I will whole heartedly trudge the grey and black with characters that possess unhinged moral compasses...but I will never let these men be glorified or their actions justified on screen,” (sic) he added.
In the FB post titled ‘Courage’, he also paid a tribute of sorts to the actor, stating that, "I once again bear witness to an extraordinary moment of courage from an extraordinary woman in my life! Today..she makes a statement..a statement that will echo through time, space and gender..that no one or no incident has control over your life but YOU!” (sic)
The actor also urges people to stand up and applaud for her. He says that despite knowing that her life would be under constant scrutiny, she chose to step out and work, setting an example to many and ‘light a torch that will show a path for many to follow’.
In a post on February 19, Prithviraj has said that the assaulted actor, who was supposed to start work with him, had pulled out of the movie due to the assault. “I know this girl..I know how brave she is...if it's affected her enough to make her stay away from what she loves the most..I can only imagine how harrowing it must have been,” he had written.
The woman actor was abducted and allegedly raped in a moving car in Kochi on the night of February 17. Prime accused Sunil Kumar alias Pulsar Suni and another accused Vijeesh were arrested by the police on Thursday, while the duo reached an Ernakulam court to surrender before the magistrate, after days of evading arrest.
Here is the full post:
COURAGE
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Some of the most poignant moments in my life have been punctuated with moments of incredible courage. Courage from what I have now fully realised are God's most benevolent yet intricate creations. WOMEN!
From a mother picking up pieces of a suddenly derailed life, to bring up two young boys to be the men they are today..to a wife who at the fag end of a 40 hour labour, just as she was being cut open without an anaesthetic, holding my hand and telling me "It's alright Prithvi"..I have repeatedly been dumbfounded in realising how much of a lesser being I am in the company of the women in my life.
And today..as my dear friend walks in to the sets to kick start the shooting of her new film "ADAM", I once again bear witness to an extraordinary moment of courage from an extraordinary woman in my life! Today..she makes a statement..a statement that will echo through time, space and gender..that no one or no incident has control over your life but YOU! A statement that will now be part of counselling sessions and pep talks around the world. A statement that you my friend..are making in a million unheard voices!
And to those voices I apologise..for at an age and time when I wasn't wise enough..I have been part of films that celebrated misogyny..I have mouthed lines that vilified regard for your self respect and I have taken a bow to the claps that ensued. NEVER AGAIN..never again will I let disrespect for women be celebrated in my movies! Yes..I'm an actor and this is my craft! I will whole heartedly trudge the grey and black with characters that possess unhinged moral compasses...but I will never let these men be glorified or their actions justified on screen.
Once again..ladies and gentlemen..stand up and applaud for her! Behind the gutsy spunk, there is a vulnerable celebrity who knew well enough what this decision of hers would mean to a life under constant scrutiny. But she also knew..that she had to see it through...for that would set an example..light a torch that will show a path for many to follow!Today she makes a statement..
A statement of extraordinary courage!
Fanboy for life...dear friend..fanboy for life!
Love always,
Prithvi.