Shweta Menon slams Hema Committee: Malayalam cinema is more authentic than Bollywood
Shweta on why she thinks women need to be in charge to see change in Malayalam films
Dubai: “Nothing can happen unless you fight your own battle,” declares Malayalam actress Shweta Menon, her sobering words cutting through the rhetoric surrounding industry reforms like the Hema Committee in the Kerala film industry.
“I don’t think a Hema Committee is going to make any change. It’s not going to bring any change in the industry ... If you have a problem, you have to sort it out yourself,” Shweta said in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.
The Hema Committee was constituted by the Kerala government in 2017 to examine gender issues and workplace harassment within the Malayalam film industry. The committee aimed to recommend measures to create safer and more equitable work environments.
Shweta,50, known for her fearless choices and bold projects, has consistently spoken her mind—whether addressing systemic injustices, tackling the relentless scrutiny actors face, or recounting her own personal battles. Often labeled “controversial” for filming her daughter’s birth and using those clips for her movie , Shweta has never conformed to societal expectations.
“I’ve always owned my decisions,” she says unapologetically.
Currently hosting the game show Enkile Ennodu Para on Asianet Middle East, Shweta reflects on her journey, the transformative power of Malayalam cinema, and her conviction that, “Cinema is not gender; it’s a character.”
The entertainment industry has evolved significantly since you started. How do you view these changes?
Everything has changed. This is the best time for women in cinema. Age doesn’t matter anymore—it’s all about talent. I’m in a phase where I want to learn and work with younger filmmakers. But with every movie, I still feel like I haven’t done enough. It’s a constant challenge, and I love it.
Do you think initiatives like the Hema Committee have made the industry safer?
I don’t think committees alone can bring change. You have to fight your own battles. I deeply respect the women who’ve come forward—it’s incredibly brave. But let’s not fool ourselves. The law demands proof, and that’s heartbreaking for victims. I know this firsthand—I fought a case for 21 years. The system needs to change, starting from the bottom up. Kudos to those who have come forward.
You’ve stood up for yourself many times, even at a young age. Does that feel empowering?
Definitely. I remember slapping someone in the industry when I was 17. He was a big star in 1991 and it was a big It was a big deal back then, and people still talk about it. But I’ve always stood up for what’s right, no matter the consequences.
Malayalam cinema has been lauded for its authenticity and bold storytelling. How do you view its current wave of success?
I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this industry. The new generation of filmmakers is amazing—they understand the pulse of society and bring that to their stories. That said, I feel sidelined sometimes, maybe because I voice my opinions strongly. But I believe in karma—what’s meant to happen will happen.
How does Malayalam cinema differ from Bollywood in terms of its approach?
In Bollywood, you’re expected to look perfect all the time, even when you sleep. But in Malayalam cinema, it’s about authenticity. It gave me the confidence to embrace my natural self. When I’m on a movie set, I barely wear makeup. It’s liberating because the focus is on the character, not on how you look.
You’ve taken on bold projects, like showing real-life moments like your child birth in your films. How do you reflect on that now?
When I filmed my daughter’s birth, it wasn’t about controversy—it was about capturing authenticity. But people misunderstood, and it became a huge issue. I’ve always owned my decisions and never overthink the repercussions. I speak from the heart, and that’s just who I am.
You’re now hosting a game show based in the Middle East. How has that been for you?
Oh, I’m so excited about it! It’s a game show where people win money, and their reactions are so raw and heartwarming. I’ve cried more than the contestants because I get so emotional seeing their joy. The format connects directly with the audience, and it’s been baby steps for us, but now it feels like we’ve found our rhythm. Shows like this remind me how much I love interacting with people.
Hosting is quite different from acting. Why did you take it up?
I started hosting back in the day with Razzmatazz, a reality show I did with Arshad Warsi. That’s where I realized how much I enjoy being unscripted. It’s about the person standing in front of you and the connection you create. Also, people have accepted me for who I am, whether I mix Malayalam, Hindi, or English while speaking. It’s genuine, and I think that’s why they relate to me.
What advice would you give to younger actors navigating these challenges?
Know your worth and fight for what you deserve. When I sign a movie, I’m very clear about what I need to feel comfortable. At the same time, be authentic. The audience respects that more than anything else.
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Enkile Ennodu Para is showing on Asianet Middle East
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