Malayalam actress Hannah Reji Koshy walks out of interview after being asked 'if she had slept with anyone to get roles'

A promotional interview for the Malayalam film DNA turned contentious when anchor Suhaila posed a provocative question to actor Hannah Reji Koshy about harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry. The incident, which unfolded on YouTube, sparked a heated exchange and eventually led both actors, including Ashkar Saudhan, to walk out.

The Question That Started It All

During the interview, Suhaila directly asked Hannah if she had to “sleep with people” to advance her career in the industry. The question left Hannah visibly stunned and silent, while Ashkar criticised the line of questioning, particularly objecting to it coming from a female anchor. The atmosphere grew tense as Suhaila pressed Hannah for a response, interpreting her silence as an admission of guilt. The disagreement escalated, resulting in both actors leaving the interview.

Note:?The full controversial interview from YouTube has been removed.

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Hannah’s reaction and clarification

Speaking to another YouTube channel following the incident, Hannah expressed her dismay, describing the question as disrespectful and hurtful. "I had to clarify my stand because it came across like a personal attack," she explained. She also thanked Ashkar for his support during the interview.

Anchor’s justification

In response to the backlash, Suhaila later defended her question, explaining that it was meant to address a prevalent issue in the industry. She acknowledged that her approach might have been confrontational but insisted that it was necessary to provoke a meaningful discussion on the topic of exploitation in the entertainment business.?

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Debate on professional ethics

The incident has sparked a broader debate about journalistic ethics and the boundaries of interviewing in the age of digital media. Critics argue that sensitive topics should be approached with more tact and sensitivity, particularly in the context of promoting films. The incident also shed light on the growing trend of using provocative content to garner views on platforms like YouTube.

Gender dynamics and industry realities

Reflecting on the aftermath, questions have been raised about why such questions are predominantly directed at female actors and not their male counterparts. There is also concern over the disproportionate criticism and scrutiny faced by women in the industry compared to their male peers.

While the interview initially sparked speculation that it was a staged stunt for publicity, Suhaila clarified that her intentions were serious, aiming to address a critical issue within the industry.

The incident underscores the need for more responsible journalism and respectful interviewing practices, especially when discussing sensitive and potentially damaging topics. As discussions continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing actors, particularly women, in navigating media scrutiny and promoting their work in a competitive industry.

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