Sexual harassment is the problem, not me: Chetan

Bengaluru: Actor-turned-activist Chetan of Aa Dinagalu fame, the man behind the Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE) and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), is now under fire as controversy erupted after actress Sruthi’s explosive revelations about Arjun Sarja. Prashanth Sambargi, a friend of Sarja, then alleged to the media that Chetan is only supporting the actress because he had been dropped from a film written and directed by Sarja. Sambargi claimed that Chetan was paid an advance of Rs 10 lakh, which he reportedly still hasn't returned. Sambargi even said he had received threatening messages from the actor when he was asked to return the money.

In an exclusive  interview with Deccan Chronicle, Chetan, rubbishes all the allegations against him, simply calling them an eyewash to take attention away from the matter at hand: the rights of women.

What is FIRE?
I have been working relentlessly for some years to set up the Film Industry for Rights and Equality platform. The intention has always been to provide a safe and healthy work environment within the industry and the initiative took shape finally in March 2017. The committee is not just to benefit women but to provide a net for all writers and workers in the industry. Now, in keeping with the provisions of the law, an Internal Complaints Committee has been set up, with 11 members, nine of whom are women and two advocates. This is in accordance with the Vishaka judgment. The body will work on various matters of rights and equality. In  instances of sexual harassment, it will take cases within a stipulated time.

What is your role in this controversy, exactly?
No. I had a cordial relationship with Arjun Sarja, who offered me the lead role in his movie. I had to sacrifice other movie commitments I had planned to take up and lost about six months in the process. I was given '9 lakh as an advance, after which photoshoots and other film-related activities were carried out. Ultimately, I was not a part of the movie, despite which our cordial relationship continued. We even spoke on the phone a few days ago. Arjun had said, even then, that he has many movies planned and would cast me in one of them. Hence, his money remained with me.

Did you demand more money?
Had I been working for money, I would have signed on to scores of films. I have, however, been involved with social activism. I even donate all my earnings to the needy, in my own way. I question the power structure in the hopes of bringing about equality. Moreover, I don’t need to work for the money because my family is fairly well-settled too.

So why are you  being blamed at all? Is there another motive at play? 
It is simply to deviate the discussion. The ongoing debate is not limited to the case involving Arjun Sarja, it takes on the system of patriarchy as a whole. I have been part of several agitations in the past and I know I have to go through this one too. It is one reason why the state government has provided me a gunman to see to my personal security.