Playback singer and actor Swagatha Krishnan has levelled serious allegations of sexual, emotional and financial abuse against an unnamed Kollywood music director, claiming the incidents occurred at his studio in Chennai. She said the alleged ordeal eventually forced her to leave the city and step away from the film industry.
Known for songs like Yeno Pennae from Ispade Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum and Kadhal Kanmani from Bachelor, Swagatha shared her account in a recent interview, stating that she had remained silent for years before deciding to speak out. She alleged that the abuse began when she was emotionally vulnerable following the end of a long-term relationship. According to her, the accused exploited her situation, sexually assaulted her at his studio, and later blackmailed her using CCTV footage.
Swagatha further claimed that she was financially exploited, alleging she was not paid fairly for her work on chorus compositions and mixing projects. She also accused the individual of borrowing significant amounts of money from her for personal expenses and later defaming her within the industry. Describing a pattern of similar behaviour, she alleged that other women had reached out to her with comparable experiences.
She credited her sister, actor Maya Krishnan, for helping her recover emotionally and said she now intends to pursue the matter legally. Swagatha also emphasised that she had earlier refrained from filing a formal complaint due to fear and lack of support within the industry. She called for accountability, urging the film fraternity to stop protecting such individuals.
Having relocated to Rishikesh, Swagatha now runs Taarabaai, a clothing and fabric business, and works closely with women who are survivors of abuse. She said her focus is now on rebuilding her life while ensuring that others do not go through similar experiences.