Producers Back Plan for Independent “Advocacy Officer” for Sexual Harassment Cases –

Producers Back Plan for Independent Advocacy Officer:

Bollywood is witnessing a pivotal shift in how it handles sexual misconduct allegations. Following recent claims against cinematographer Pratik Shah—best known for Homebound, Jubilee, and CTRL—industry producers are rallying for a new safeguard: an independent “advocacy officer.” The move, supported by at least ten members of the Producers’ Guild of India, will be presented in mid-June and could reshape accountability on film and web projects, says a report in Midday.

The advocacy officer would differ from existing Internal Complaints Committees by offering impartial, external oversight. Tasked with investigating allegations confidentially—interviewing all parties and collecting evidence—this role could recommend actions ranging from warnings to project removal. Crucially, it would also provide ongoing training on harassment prevention and ensure every production has a functioning complaint redressal mechanism.  

Funding for this role would come from a pooled contribution by producers, guilds, and talent agencies—preserving independence and reducing conflicts of interest. In the wake of filmmaker Abhinav Singh’s accusations, which prompted numerous women to speak out, plus Dharma Productions distancing itself from Shah, industry voices are calling for systemic reform. If approved, this proposal could set a precedent for Bollywood—creating a transparent and credible avenue for survivors to seek justice, along with safety for female artists and crew.

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