The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) voices its deep concern about the concerted public campaign against Tamil actors Khushboo and Suhasini. That these two public figures are women is no coincidence. In the last 10 years, the growing frequency of moral policing, alongside violent and undemocratic means of protest is a disturbing trend that must be resisted. The NWMI strongly condemns the violent protests, and the attack on Khushboo and Suhasini by members of political parties namely Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Dalit Panthers of India (DPI), the self-styled protectors of the chastity of Tamil women and Tamil culture in general.

Khushboo's statement to which umbrage was taken was her opinion that pre-marital sex was acceptable if due precautions were taken to protect oneself against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. She also said that no educated man could expect his partner to be a virgin. These statements, acknowledging women's sexuality have caused a storm among those who prefer a hypocritical silence about sex in general and women's sexuality in particular.

While some political parties reacted strongly, demanded an apology from the actress and carried out demonstrations in several venues, there now seems to be a backtracking from this position. Even as Dalit Panthers of India leader Thol. Tirumavalavan has now denied that his party was agitating against Khushboo, the Left parties came out against the 'harassment' meted out to her.

The NWMI believes that personal opinions cannot be taken as insults to communities or cultures. This kind of culture policing and mob censorship has serious implications for freedom of expression. The double standards of morality and equating sexuality with decadence is typical of a society that attempts to crush women's voices.

The defamation case filed against Khushboo by the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) women's wing central Chennai district leader Deepam Jaikumar, as well as the petition filed by five women advocates of Tiruchirapalli, Mettur, who belong to the PMK, seeking action against the actress under three IPC sections, is a sign of the insecurity of those claiming to uphold Tamil culture.

The National AIDS Control Organisation lists Tamil Nadu as one of the six "high prevalence HIV" states in the country. The first case of AIDS was detected in 1986 in Tamil Nadu, which has the highest number of registered HIV / AIDS affected people in India. Perhaps those creating the brouhaha over Khushboo's statements should divert their energies to change this state of affairs. The first step is open and healthy discussion about sex.

It is surprising that this uproar is taking place in Tamil Nadu, as this is where one of the first TV programmes on sex and sexuality was aired. People from all over Tamil Nadu called in with their doubts about their sexual lives which included adultery, pre-marital and extra-marital sex. It saw unprecedented ratings and was a popular show telecast by Vijay TV, hosted by the late Dr. Mathrubootham and Sharmila, called 'Puthira Punidhama'. Is the objection now raised because that show was in Tamil and the interview by Khushboo was in English?

Differences of opinion, dissent and debate need to be conducted in a democratic manner, while examining the boundaries of what is considered "acceptable" and "correct". Any pluralistic society in transformation has to create space for varied views, and conflicting opinions.

It is regrettable that media all over India chose to sensationalise the issue rather than point out the politically motivated tactics of the self-styled champions of Tamil culture. Some media took it out of context and irresponsibly ran stories that were provocative and untrue. As members of the media, we condemn such irresponsible actions by some sections of the media who now defend their actions as "lost in translation"!

The NWMI strongly condemns the violation of Khuhboo's right to freedom of expression and encourages her and other women in the future not to be pressurised into apologising for their views.

Back to Press releases