In recent years, the #MeToo movement has encouraged survivors to speak out about the abuse they’ve endured, shedding light on the dark side of the entertainment industry. One such case involves Dr. Sowmya (formerly known as Saia), a former Tamil and Malayalam film actress who bravely shared her story after 30 years of silence. Her harrowing account of exploitation, manipulation, and sexual abuse by a prominent director has ignited conversations about power dynamics, grooming, and the deep-rooted patriarchy in the Indian film industry.
Early Career and Entrapment by Power
Sowmya’s entry into the Tamil film industry was serendipitous. At the tender age of 18, she was introduced to the world of acting through her college theater contacts. Enamored by the glitz and glamor of the industry, she couldn’t have foreseen the dark and twisted journey ahead of her. After her screen test, she was roped into a film by a well-known director, despite her initial reluctance.
The first red flag appeared when Sowmya expressed discomfort around the director, who was the husband of a well-known actress. Despite her objections, the couple coerced her into continuing with the film, playing on her sense of obligation. In her first meeting with the couple, Sowmya sensed something was wrong but found herself entrapped in their manipulative web. The wife was listed as the director, but it was her husband who controlled the entire production.
The Beginning of Grooming
Grooming, a process by which perpetrators manipulate and gain control over their victims, began slowly and subtly in Sowmya’s case. The director, initially cold and intimidating, gradually won her trust by playing the role of a mentor, even going so far as to treat her like a “daughter.” This is a common grooming tactic used to disarm the victim, create dependency, and blur boundaries.
Sowmya describes how the director and his wife manipulated her emotions and isolated her from her family. As a rebellious teenager from a sheltered background, she found solace in the couple’s apparent kindness. They provided her with comfort, food, and praise, creating a sense of dependency. It wasn’t long before the director crossed a boundary, kissing Sowmya and professing his love. This was the beginning of her descent into a nightmare of abuse.
Sexual Exploitation and Trauma
What followed was a harrowing period of sexual exploitation, where Sowmya was manipulated into believing she was obligated to fulfill the director’s desires. He systematically violated her boundaries, both emotionally and physically. Initially, the advances were subtle, but over time, the abuse escalated.
One of the most disturbing aspects of her testimony is the psychological manipulation she endured. The director, who often referred to her as his “daughter,” completely shattered her sense of self. He coerced her into a twisted relationship where she was sexually assaulted and raped. His manipulation was so deep that Sowmya was left confused, ashamed, and isolated. She was convinced that she had somehow consented to the abuse.
Impact of Patriarchy and Power Dynamics
Sowmya’s story is a painful reminder of how patriarchy entrenches power imbalances, particularly in industries like film, where men in positions of authority can easily exploit vulnerable young women. The director’s control over Sowmya was not just sexual—it was emotional, psychological, and professional. He used his position of power to silence her and ensure that she felt powerless to resist.
The grooming process that Sowmya experienced began long before the sexual abuse. From her childhood, she was conditioned by societal norms to obey authority figures, especially men. This early conditioning played a crucial role in her inability to resist the director’s advances and contributed to her long silence.
Abuse in the Malayalam Film Industry
After her experience in Tamil cinema, Sowmya transitioned to the Malayalam film industry, where she starred in three successful films. However, the shift in location did not mean a shift away from exploitation. Although she did not face the same direct sexual abuse, she encountered numerous forms of human rights violations on set.
She recalled instances where actors and directors would summon junior artists and crew members to their rooms at night, a practice that was both terrifying and degrading. Even though she was not summoned herself, her knowledge of these incidents added to the atmosphere of fear. In addition, she faced violations of personal boundaries during scenes, including one where a co-star violated her during a take by spitting on her face without warning.
The Aftermath: Trauma and Recovery
For nearly three decades, Sowmya carried the burden of her trauma, believing that she had somehow been complicit in the abuse. It wasn’t until she began her Ph.D. program in Human Development and Family Science that she began to unpack the trauma she had experienced. Through her studies, she gained the vocabulary to understand the difference between consent and coercion, and she started to acknowledge the abuse for what it was.
It took years of therapy and energy healing for her to confront the reality of what had happened. As she describes, the abuse left a lasting imprint on her body and mind, trapping her in a cycle of shame and guilt. Through trusted and safe resources, she began to release the trauma and regain control over her life.
Seeking Justice Amid #MeToo Movement
Despite the emotional toll, Sowmya is now considering legal action against her abuser. With the formation of a special investigation team in Kerala, she has expressed her willingness to cooperate with the authorities. While she does not seek publicity or fame from her ordeal, she is determined to ensure that those who abused her and others are held accountable.
Her courage in speaking out is not just about seeking justice for herself—it’s about sending a message to society. She hopes to shed light on the systemic patriarchy that enables abuse and exploitation to flourish. For Sowmya, it’s not just about her personal experience; it’s about challenging a system that allows powerful men to abuse their positions with impunity.
A Message for Survivors
Sowmya’s journey is a testament to the strength of survivors and the importance of breaking the silence. Her story serves as an inspiration for others who may still be trapped in silence, encouraging them to come forward and seek help. She emphasizes that abuse is never the victim’s fault and that healing is possible, even after decades of trauma.
Her final message is one of hope: “You are not alone. Seek help from trusted resources. It’s not your fault that you were victimized. We need to change how society treats survivors, how media portrays relationships, and how children are taught about their bodies and consent.”
Conclusion
Sowmya’s courageous decision to share her story publicly after decades of suffering in silence is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and justice. Her story underscores the importance of listening to survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and dismantling the systems of power that allow abuse to thrive. As the #MeToo movement continues to ripple across industries worldwide, it is stories like hers that inspire change and give voice to those who have been silenced for too long.
