Veteran Malayalam actor Siddique has lodged a complaint with Kerala police against actress Revathy Sampath after she accused him of sexual misconduct, officials said on Monday.

According to an official with Kerala [olice, actor Siddique has lodged a complaint against actress Revathy Sampath, who had earlier accused him of sexual harassment.

"The complaint has been submitted to the Director General of Police," he said.

This comes after actress Revathy Sampath accused Siddique, who is general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), of sexual misconduct.

In a media interaction, the actress alleged that the incident happened when she was 21 years old. She stated that Siddique initially contacted her on Facebook, addressing her as "mole," a term often used in Kerala to refer to a young girl or daughter.

"After completing my Plus Two, I had a terrible experience. Siddique sent me messages on Facebook. I had come to discuss a film. This incident occurred when I was 21 years old. He first approached me by calling me 'Mole.' There was abuse from Siddique's side. During the discussion, he sexually abused me. The face he shows now is not the one I saw back then," Revanthy said.

Alleging that Siddique sexually abused her, both physically and mentally, the actress said, "He assaulted me, both physically and mentally. Siddique is a criminal. I went through severe mental trauma. It even affected my professional life. No system stood by me. It took me a long time to speak out. After the assault, Siddique acted as if nothing had happened and stood before me like it was normal. Everyone responded as if it was a common occurrence. It felt like they all did it knowingly."

Speaking on how she managed to escape the situation, the actress added, "I ran away to escape. I responded as best as I could at that age. He said there was nothing I could do. I fled, managed to get into an auto, and escaped."

Siddique is a popular actor who has appeared in over 300 Malayalam movies. He has also acted in Tamil films such as Jana and Bhaskar Oru Rascal.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Veteran Malayalam actor Siddique has lodged a complaint with Kerala police against actress Revathy Sampath after she accused him of sexual misconduct, officials said on Monday.

Veteran Malayalam actor Siddique has lodged a complaint with Kerala police against actress Revathy Sampath after she accused him of sexual misconduct, officials said on Monday. According to an official with Kerala [olice, actor Siddique has lodged a complaint against actress Revathy Sampath, who had earlier accused him of sexual harassment. "The complaint has been submitted to the Director General of Police," he said. This comes after actress Revathy Sampath accused Siddique, who is general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), of sexual misconduct. In a media interaction, the actress alleged that the incident happened when she was 21 years old. She stated that Siddique initially contacted her on Facebook, addressing her as "mole," a term often used in Kerala to refer to a young girl or daughter. "After completing my Plus Two, I had a terrible experience. Siddique sent me messages on Facebook. I had come to discuss a film. This incident occurred when I was 21 years old. He first approached me by calling me 'Mole.' There was abuse from Siddique's side. During the discussion, he sexually abused me. The face he shows now is not the one I saw back then," Revanthy said. Alleging that Siddique sexually abused her, both physically and mentally, the actress said, "He assaulted me, both physically and mentally. Siddique is a criminal. I went through severe mental trauma. It even affected my professional life. No system stood by me. It took me a long time to speak out. After the assault, Siddique acted as if nothing had happened and stood before me like it was normal. Everyone responded as if it was a common occurrence. It felt like they all did it knowingly." Speaking on how she managed to escape the situation, the actress added, "I ran away to escape. I responded as best as I could at that age. He said there was nothing I could do. I fled, managed to get into an auto, and escaped." Siddique is a popular actor who has appeared in over 300 Malayalam movies. He has also acted in Tamil films such as Jana and Bhaskar Oru Rascal. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Malayalam actor Siddique files FIR against Revathi Sampath over sexual harassment allegations

A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom.&nbsp;

Following such claims, director Ranjith quit as chairman of the government-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy, whereas veteran actor Siddique resigned as general secretary of the movie actors' association AMMA, or Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes.

<h2>Hema Committee report: The background</h2>

What set the cat among the pigeons&nbsp;was some of the shocking findings of the Hema committee report, which was set up&nbsp;in the wake of a kidnap and sexual assault on a famous actress by a bunch of thugs on a moving vehicle in 2017, for which then superstar Dileep was the prime accused. Dileep went in and out of jail and continued the legal battle, even as his career continued more or less unimpeded, though not to the extent&nbsp;of stardom that he had enjoyed from the late 1990s till the year of the assault.

AMMA, time and again, appeared to dilly-dally on the issue of sexual assault and exploitation of female stars and aspiring artists, in some cases openly defending accused persons like Dileep.

While a bunch of male actors joined the chorus against sexual exploitation, most of them were either sidelined or quietened down.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/how-three-malayalam-films-are-scripting-history-with-massive-box-office-numbers-globally-712996">Also read: How three Malayalam films are scripting history with massive box office numbers globally</a> 
 
Some in the Malayalam film industry have deep linkages with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front or LDF government. This complicates matters for it, as institutions like Chalachitra Academy are state-run. There was also criticism that the report, even though it was submitted several years ago, was released only this month.

Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan and Law Minister P Rajeeve said that action will be taken against the accused only if formal complaints are filed. Another minister, MB Rajesh, said the government will seek legal advice on filing a legal complaint against Siddique and Ranjith.

<h2>What are the allegations that came to light after Hema Committee report?</h2>

Revathy Sampath, a young actress, alleged that Siddique raped her in a hotel room in 2016. She said she was not interested in a legal battle unless survivors of sexual assault are given protection by the government. Siddique, after quitting his post in AMMA, has lodged a police complaint against Sampath.

Sreelekha Mitra, a Bengali actress, accused Ranith of trying to sexually molest her during a film discussion.

Watch: Malayalam actor Lena makes surprising revelation

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Since the committee report was released, several actors have been accused of some sort of sexual harassment in the past, including Riyaz Khan, Baburaj, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Jayasurya.

While the casting couch is not unheard of in the Kerala film industry, the bravery of women who are coming forward to speak up about sexual exploitation in Tinsel Town is unprecedented.

<h2>What is the Hema Committee, and what are its findings?</h2>

Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in 2017 to look into the issue of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, whose other members are veteran actress Sharada and former civil service officer KB Valsalakumari, was formed a few months after the February 2017 kidnap and sexual assault of the young actress in which actor Dileep is the prime accused.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/indian-film-producer-actor-vijay-babu-booked-for-rape-revealing-survivors-identity-on-social-media-474387">Also read: Indian film producer-actor Vijay Babu booked for rape, revealing survivor's identity on social media</a> 
 
The committee was formed on a complaint from Women in Cinema Collective, an association created in the wake of the kidnap assault incident.

Though the report was submitted to Chief Minister Vijayan in 2019, it did not see the light of the day until court complaints led to its release.

The report was released this month with many parts redacted, to preserve the privacy of some individuals.

The report found that sexual favours were being asked of women who wanted to&nbsp;enter the film industry and find work. 
It said sexual assault, abuse and harassment at the workplace were commonplace for women.

It highlighted the lack of basic amenities for women like female-only restrooms and changing rooms.

It put the spotlight on general male dominance in the industry.

It noted that often, complaints are not recorded in writing.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom.

A probe panel's report into sexual abuse has shaken and stirred the Malayalam film industry in the south Indian state of Kerala. The Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, has led to a further flurry of allegations against some of the most prominent names in Kerala filmdom. Following such claims, director Ranjith quit as chairman of the government-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy, whereas veteran actor Siddique resigned as general secretary of the movie actors' association AMMA, or Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes. Hema Committee report: The background What set the cat among the pigeons was some of the shocking findings of the Hema committee report, which was set up in the wake of a kidnap and sexual assault on a famous actress by a bunch of thugs on a moving vehicle in 2017, for which then superstar Dileep was the prime accused. Dileep went in and out of jail and continued the legal battle, even as his career continued more or less unimpeded, though not to the extent of stardom that he had enjoyed from the late 1990s till the year of the assault. AMMA, time and again, appeared to dilly-dally on the issue of sexual assault and exploitation of female stars and aspiring artists, in some cases openly defending accused persons like Dileep. While a bunch of male actors joined the chorus against sexual exploitation, most of them were either sidelined or quietened down. Also read: How three Malayalam films are scripting history with massive box office numbers globally Some in the Malayalam film industry have deep linkages with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front or LDF government. This complicates matters for it, as institutions like Chalachitra Academy are state-run. There was also criticism that the report, even though it was submitted several years ago, was released only this month. Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan and Law Minister P Rajeeve said that action will be taken against the accused only if formal complaints are filed. Another minister, MB Rajesh, said the government will seek legal advice on filing a legal complaint against Siddique and Ranjith. What are the allegations that came to light after Hema Committee report? Revathy Sampath, a young actress, alleged that Siddique raped her in a hotel room in 2016. She said she was not interested in a legal battle unless survivors of sexual assault are given protection by the government. Siddique, after quitting his post in AMMA, has lodged a police complaint against Sampath. Sreelekha Mitra, a Bengali actress, accused Ranith of trying to sexually molest her during a film discussion. Watch: Malayalam actor Lena makes surprising revelation × Since the committee report was released, several actors have been accused of some sort of sexual harassment in the past, including Riyaz Khan, Baburaj, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju and Jayasurya. While the casting couch is not unheard of in the Kerala film industry, the bravery of women who are coming forward to speak up about sexual exploitation in Tinsel Town is unprecedented. What is the Hema Committee, and what are its findings? Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in 2017 to look into the issue of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, whose other members are veteran actress Sharada and former civil service officer KB Valsalakumari, was formed a few months after the February 2017 kidnap and sexual assault of the young actress in which actor Dileep is the prime accused. Also read: Indian film producer-actor Vijay Babu booked for rape, revealing survivor's identity on social media The committee was formed on a complaint from Women in Cinema Collective, an association created in the wake of the kidnap assault incident. Though the report was submitted to Chief Minister Vijayan in 2019, it did not see the light of the day until court complaints led to its release. The report was released this month with many parts redacted, to preserve the privacy of some individuals. The report found that sexual favours were being asked of women who wanted to enter the film industry and find work. It said sexual assault, abuse and harassment at the workplace were commonplace for women. It highlighted the lack of basic amenities for women like female-only restrooms and changing rooms. It put the spotlight on general male dominance in the industry. It noted that often, complaints are not recorded in writing. (With inputs from agencies)

Sexual abuse in Malayalam film industry: Hema committee report leads to Siddique, Ranjith exits I Story so far

Indian filmmaker Siddique, part of the Malayalam director duo Siddique-Lal that was behind some of the biggest-ever hits in Malalayam film industry, died on Tuesday at a hospital in Kochi. He was 63. Siddique had been hospitalised and suffered a cardiac arrest on August 7 and remained in critical condition. In his long career, he had directed several blockbuster films in south India and the Hindi film industry including Salman Khan- Kareena Kapoor starrer&nbsp;Bodyguard.&nbsp; 
 
Siddique's condition deteriorated after suffering from cardiac arrest and he was put on ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). Reports state he was also being treated for liver-related problems and pneumonia and had been put on ventilator support.

Siddique was reportedly admitted to the hospital due to "chronic liver disease and bronchopneumonia" nearly a month ago. 
 
"He was put on a ventilator for respiratory failure and his condition improved with medical management. He was taken off ventilator and was on supplemental oxygen therapy. While on treatment, he had a massive heart attack and underwent emergency angioplasty.

"He was placed on ECMO support due to cardiogenic shock and respiratory failure. He developed multi-organ dysfunction with clinical deterioration and was declared dead on August 8 at 9.10 pm," a hospital source told PTI.

Family sources said the filmmaker's body will be kept at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Wednesday for the public to pay homage. The body will be later taken to his residence at Kakkanad. The funeral will be held at Ernakulam Central Juma Masjid later in the evening.

Condolences for Siddique 
 
Soon after the news of Siddique's death broke, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president K Sudhakaran paid their condolences to the late filmmaker's family.&nbsp;

"Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Siddique, noted Malayalam film director. His films stood apart with characters one could easily relate to and set benchmarks for comedy and entertainment. May his soul rest in peace," Khan said in a tweet.

Siddique was an excellent screenwriter and director. The fact that various moments and dialogues in many films made by him and Lal remain in our minds even after decades is a testament to his talent," Vijayan said in a statement.

Siddique's prominent work&nbsp; 
 
Siddique made his entry into the Malayalam cinema as an assistant director and worked under veteran filmmaker Fazil in 1983 along with friend and filmmaker Lal. Lal and Siddique later collaborated together and directed several films including blockbuster hits like Ramji Rao Speaking, In Harihar Nagar, Godfather and Vietnam Colony. 
 
Siddique also directed&nbsp;Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films. He directed Salman Khan's Bodyguard, which also had Kareena Kapoor. Siddique's last film was Big Brother which was released in 2020. It had Mohanlal in the title role.&nbsp;

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Indian filmmaker Siddique, part of the Malayalam director duo Siddique-Lal that was behind some of the biggest-ever hits in Malalayam film industry, died on Tuesday at a hospital in Kochi.

Indian filmmaker Siddique, part of the Malayalam director duo Siddique-Lal that was behind some of the biggest-ever hits in Malalayam film industry, died on Tuesday at a hospital in Kochi. He was 63. Siddique had been hospitalised and suffered a cardiac arrest on August 7 and remained in critical condition. In his long career, he had directed several blockbuster films in south India and the Hindi film industry including Salman Khan- Kareena Kapoor starrer Bodyguard. Siddique's condition deteriorated after suffering from cardiac arrest and he was put on ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). Reports state he was also being treated for liver-related problems and pneumonia and had been put on ventilator support. Siddique was reportedly admitted to the hospital due to "chronic liver disease and bronchopneumonia" nearly a month ago. "He was put on a ventilator for respiratory failure and his condition improved with medical management. He was taken off ventilator and was on supplemental oxygen therapy. While on treatment, he had a massive heart attack and underwent emergency angioplasty. "He was placed on ECMO support due to cardiogenic shock and respiratory failure. He developed multi-organ dysfunction with clinical deterioration and was declared dead on August 8 at 9.10 pm," a hospital source told PTI. Family sources said the filmmaker's body will be kept at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Wednesday for the public to pay homage. The body will be later taken to his residence at Kakkanad. The funeral will be held at Ernakulam Central Juma Masjid later in the evening. Condolences for Siddique Soon after the news of Siddique's death broke, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president K Sudhakaran paid their condolences to the late filmmaker's family. "Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Siddique, noted Malayalam film director. His films stood apart with characters one could easily relate to and set benchmarks for comedy and entertainment. May his soul rest in peace," Khan said in a tweet. Siddique was an excellent screenwriter and director. The fact that various moments and dialogues in many films made by him and Lal remain in our minds even after decades is a testament to his talent," Vijayan said in a statement. Siddique's prominent work Siddique made his entry into the Malayalam cinema as an assistant director and worked under veteran filmmaker Fazil in 1983 along with friend and filmmaker Lal. Lal and Siddique later collaborated together and directed several films including blockbuster hits like Ramji Rao Speaking, In Harihar Nagar, Godfather and Vietnam Colony. Siddique also directed Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films. He directed Salman Khan's Bodyguard, which also had Kareena Kapoor. Siddique's last film was Big Brother which was released in 2020. It had Mohanlal in the title role. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Filmmaker Siddique, who directed Salman Khan in Bodyguard, dies at 63

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