Who Is Siddique, Malayalam Actor Facing Rape Charges After Hema Committee Report Rocks Mollywood?

#MeToo movement has created an uproar in the Malayalam film industry after the Hema Committee report went public. The report revealed instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry, prompting calls for action against the guilty. Since the report went public, several actresses have come forward to narrate the ordeal they faced at the hands of prominent figures of the Mollywood. Among all is veteran actor Siddique, who is known for his hit movies, including Godfather, Simhavalan Menon, Kasargode Khadarbhai and Welcome to Kodaikanal.

Who is Siddique?

He is one of the prominent figures of Malayalam cinema, who has appeared in over 350 films. Siddique made his acting debut with the film Aa Neram Alppa Dooram (1985) but got a break with the comedy film In Harihar Nagar (1990). Since then, he has been ruling the big screens with his movies, including Neru, Sathyameva Jayathe, Lelam and Drishyam 2. Apart from being an actor, he is also a producer who has produced two movies - Nandanam (2002) and Bada Dosth (2006).

What charges is Siddique facing in Mollywood's MeToo movement?

After the release of the Hema Committee report, Malayalam actress Revathy Sampath, in a media interaction, revealed that she was "mentally and physically" assaulted by Siddique. Opening up about the incident that happened when she was 21-year-old, she said that the actor approached him on Facebook for the movie. During the discussion, he sexually abused her.

"After completing my Plus Two, I had a terrible experience. Siddique sent me messages on Facebook. I had come to discuss a film. This incident occurred when I was 21 years old. He first approached me by calling me 'Mole.' There was abuse from Siddique's side. During the discussion, he sexually abused me. The face he shows now is not the one I saw back then."

She further stated, "He assaulted me, both physically and mentally. Siddique is a criminal. I went through severe mental trauma. It even affected my professional life. No system stood by me."

On Wednesday, PTI reported a rape case had been registered against Siddique following a female actor's allegation that he sexually assaulted her in 2016. An FIR under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) has been registered against the actor at Museum police station, a senior police officer said. The case was registered under the IPC as the offence allegedly occurred in 2016.

Siddique denies Revathy Sampath's allegations

Following the allegations, Siddique resigned as a secretary from AMMA and filed a complaint against the actress claiming she made these allegations for publicity. According to an official with Kerala Police, actor Siddique has lodged a complaint against actress Revathy Sampath. "The complaint has been submitted to Director General of Police," he told ANI.