Three Kerala make-up artistes continue hunger strike, demand ouster of FEFKA and AKCMH officials

Three make-up artistes who are members of the All Kerala Cine Makeup Artists and Hairstylists (AKCMH) affiliated to the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) continued their hunger strike demanding, among other things, the ouster of FEFKA general secretary B. Unnikrishnan and AKCMH secretary Pradeep Rangan for the second day running in front of the union office here on Thursday (January 30, 2025).

Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) and actors such as Reema Kallingal and Parvathy Thiruvothu have supported the striking make-up artists Rohini, Angel and Elizabeth.

The protesting artistes alleged that those who deposed before the Hema Committee and resisted harassment are being persecuted with disciplinary actions such as suspension. In contrast, no action has been taken so far against a AKCMH member accused in a case registered under the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

However, Mr. Rangan said that a conciliatory meeting has been scheduled to discuss the demands raised by the protesting union members.

The protesters wondered where the “so-called action plan” drawn up by FEFKA under Mr. Unnikrishnan in the wake of the Hema Committee report has “disappeared.”

Ensuring the “right to work independently”, government intervention in the labour sector of the film industry, “stopping denial of work” are among the key demands raised.

A make-up artiste had written to the Chief Minister reportedly detailing the “exploitation” faced by artistes. In the letter, the person alleged loss of job for allegedly resisting sexual advance and that no action was taken on reporting the incident with FEFKA.

The protest comes in the wake of a case registered by the Ernakulam Central police against Mr. Unnikrishnan on a complaint by actor-producer Sandra Thomas earlier this month.

In its statement, WCC has accused the union of “supporting members facing accusations while denying job to survivors.:

“When the make-up artistes reported about the sexual harassment and discrimination at the workplace, AKCMH, instead of trying to resolve the issues had issued notices to dismiss them, while one member had already been ousted. The government should immediately intervene in the matter. Unions, which distribute memberships only against hefty payments should at least ensure the safety of women,” the WCC statement said.