Three makeup artists begin hunger strike in Kochi alleging workplace harassment in Mollywood

Three makeup artists from the Malayalam film industry—Rohini, Elizabeth, and Angel—have launched a hunger strike in Kochi, alleging workplace harassment and denial of opportunities.

The artists claim they were unfairly removed from their union for speaking out against power dynamics and misconduct within the association. They have also demanded the resignation of FEFKA secretary B Unnikrishnan, alleging that despite paying a hefty membership fee, they have been systematically denied work.

The protest comes shortly after another makeup artist, Shivappriya Maneeshya, was reportedly expelled from the association for giving statements to the Hema Commission, which investigated abuse within the industry. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), along with actors Rima Kallingal and Parvathy, have extended their support to the protesters.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Parvathy Thiruvothu wrote, “Fighting for Right to work. Right to an equal and safe workplace. Right to dignity! Meet Rohini, Elizabeth and Angel. They have been at the receiving end of incessant harassment and abuse and when they spoke up , they were threatened and gaslit. Eventually, ousted from their union in the name of ‘disciplinary actions’. They are the only ones who have come forward now. FEFKA’s grand POA is this?!”
Parvathy further wrote, “FEFKA’s grand POA is this?! I’m told there are many who have now been intimidated into silence. This is the ground reality of our work place. Oh and what’s not surprising is that despite multiple asks and efforts, there has been hardly any coverage on their struggles in the media here in Kerala. No TRP treasures found here, is it!? Or has the media also been hushed successfully? I wish I could say this is shocking. @cmokerala @saji__cherian”