The safety of women in India has been thrust into the spotlight once again after the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Amidst the outpouring of grief and anger, Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat has reignited the conversation around the pervasive issue of sexual violence by sharing a poignant video on her Instagram feed. The video, which is several years old, features Sherawat speaking candidly about the alarming frequency of gang rapes and violence against women in India. Her direct and impassioned remarks did not sit well with everyone, however, leading to fierce backlash from notable figures in the media and her own industry.
At a public event, a younger Sherawat can be seen taking on members of the press who questioned her characterization of India as a “regressive country.” She made a critical distinction, correcting a journalist to clarify that her statement specifically referred to the state of women in India. “I said that India is regressive for women,” she affirmed before delving into the rationale behind her statement. “I’ll tell you exactly why. This is my point of view. With female infanticide happening almost daily, with gang rapes making the headlines of every newspaper, and with honor killings — today, only I tweeted about it. Today, I read in the paper, that according to UNFPA, 40% of Indian women — 40% — are married below the age of 18,” she explained, offering a stark illustration of the societal challenges Indian women face. “I think it’s a very, very regressive state for women, and I stand by that.”
As her words filled the room, Sherawat continued, addressing the widespread coverage of such incidents in international media. “When an interviewer asks me what I have to say about these gang rapes, which are the headlines in the New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN — what do I say? Am I going to lie? Should I lie? As a woman, should I lie about the state of women in our country? So I didn’t lie,” she declared resolutely.
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Reflecting on the aftermath of her statements, Sherawat recalled the intense criticism she faced, not just from certain sections of the Indian press but from within the Bollywood fraternity itself. In the Instagram caption accompanying her video, she recounted the backlash vividly. “I still can’t forget this moment when I was attacked and bullied by a certain section of the Indian press for speaking out against gang rapes and sexual violence in India! Some women in the press and some very big names in Bollywood — female actresses — joined the chorus and publicly attacked me for speaking out against gang rapes and sexual violence,” she wrote.
The actress did not mince words in expressing her frustration with the painful irony of the situation. “This phenomenon highlights a troubling dynamic where, instead of supporting someone advocating for change, these women in influential positions are engaging in silencing the voices of women like me! This behavior perpetuates a culture of silence and complicity that allows sexual violence to continue,” she asserted. Her message was not just a reflection on her past experiences but a call to action for present and future generations. “It’s crucial for women, especially those in the public eye, to stand in solidarity and use their platforms to support, rather than vilify, those who speak out against such injustices,” she urged.
The context of her re-shared video underscores a persistent issue that continues to plague Indian society. Despite the intense dialogues and sporadic reforms, the fundamental safety and rights of women remain precarious. As the gruesome incident in Kolkata has shown, the shadow of gender-based violence still looms large. Sherawat’s bold stance and willingness to revisit her polemical past serve as a reminder of the importance of unwavering advocacy.
In the wake of recent developments, Sherawat’s video is a poignant reminder that addressing and combating the ingrained issues of gender-based violence requires sustained effort and solidarity. Her call for influential women to unite and amplify voices against injustice is both a challenge and an opportunity for all those in positions of power and influence. Sherawat’s story is not just hers; it is a continued call to action for all who seek a safer and more equitable society for women in India and beyond.
