SUNDAY | 19 FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY IS A BIG ISSUE
In a shocking incident in Kerala, Malayalam actress Bhavana, who also worked in T’wood, was kidnapped and molested in a moving car
While returning home from a shoot in Ernakulam district in Kerala, Malayalam actress Bhavana, who has also acted in three Tollywood films earlier, was reportedly abducted and molested by unidentified men. Her latest film is the upcoming Malayalam movie Honey Bee 2.
The incident took place on Saturday when the men hijacked Bhavana’s car near Athani in Angamaly. The actress was molested in a moving car till they reached Palarivattom, which is roughly 25 km away. The accused got off and fled in another car.
The actress informed the police that her former driver, Martin, was among those who forcefully entered her car. The police have taken the driver into custody. The gang took videos and photos of the actress while threatening her of dire consequences.
The police have registered a case of kidnapping and molestation.
ONUS LIES ON THE PRODUCTION HOUSE
Director Nandini Reddy says that the production house needs to take responsibility. “When a film is being shot, usually it is the production house that arranges for transport, so they need to make sure that the person they are hiring is safe. Actors and actresses, when they are shooting in their hometown, usually tend to use their own vehicle, but most often than not it is the production house that allots drivers.
“When an actress finishes a shoot late in the night, she is usually accompanied by her assistant or a family member, this is just to make sure she is not travelling alone,” she says.
BACKGROUND VERIFICATION OF STAFF A MUST
“I am hurt and shocked by what has happened with Bhavana. I condemn this act and people who are involved must be punished. Also, one needs to be very careful when they hire staff and need to check the background of the people. You also need to get a police verification done and check their history. I wish Bhavana gets well soon and stays strong.
“I have a wellprotected team and I even travel with my family members. For me, safety is a top priority,” says Charmme.
WILL PERSONALLY CHECK INTO THINGS NOW
Actress Kajal Aggarwal’s mother, Vinay, who generally accompanies her daughter on most shoots says she is worried and shocked.
“I am shocked that such an incident has taken place. When a production house provides a driver we don’t worry because we assume that they have hired a safe person.
“I generally accompany Kajal but if I am not able to do so, her father is there, and if we both are busy her staff of at least four people accompany her. Now I will personally look into the people we hire. My advice to actresses is to be careful and never travel alone in a car, safety should be the top priority.” It’s the production house that takes care of the actresses’ safety as they send someone from their team along with the car. As far as I am concerned, I inform my team wherever I go. I used to carry a pepper spray in my bag, and after this incident, looks like I need to start carrying it again.
One needs to get a police verification done before hiring staff members. Bhavana’s driver who supposedly has a criminal background wouldn’t have even been hired. I have a well-protected team and I even travel with my family members. For me, safety is a top priority