Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, whose recent film ‘Bhakshak’ cast a glaring light on the rampant sexual abuse suffered by young girls in shelter homes, utilized the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan to communicate a profound message on social media. Her post comes in the backdrop of an ongoing outrage in Kolkata, after a trainee doctor was brutally assaulted and murdered, adding fuel to an already intense discourse on women’s safety in India.
The actress, typically known for her powerful roles on screen, took a heartfelt approach in her message, pondering the essence of Raksha Bandhan amidst the current socio-cultural landscape. Bhumi wrote in her caption, “Happy Raksha Bandhan! I’ve been fortunate to have had brothers and men in my life that have been my allies. Thank you!” This sincere acknowledgment is paired with a deeper, more introspective examination of the age-old tradition and its relevance today.
Leveraging her extensive reach and influence, Bhumi posted a reflective message in Hindi, emphasizing the harrowing conditions women still face. She recounted various tragic stories that women and girls frequently encounter, stating, “We have been hearing since childhood – So-and-so’s sister is beaten badly by her husband. The poor girl cannot leave him. Her sister met with an accident: it seemed like it was a dowry case. Her sister was about to go to college, but some boys harassed her so much that she had to stop going. Someone threw acid on her sister, boys would harass her, she raised her voice and this happened. Her sister was returning from work in the evening and got raped. She accompanied her friend on a bus and got raped. She was on her way to school and got raped. She was working in the fields and got raped. She was working late at night in the office and got raped.
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Through these statements, Bhumi compellingly sheds light on the persistent issue of gender-based violence that continues to plague society. Her reflection poses critical questions about the necessity of protection: “It’s 2024, why do we still need protection from our brothers? How many times and from how many people will our brothers save us? All those men who committed these crimes against women were someone’s brothers. When they did such heinous acts, did they not think about their sisters and mothers? Where is fear? Where is humanity?”
She proceeds to call for more than just symbolic gestures, urging society to adopt a proactive stance. “This Raksha Bandhan, raise your voices and fight alongside your sisters and daughters. Teach your sons good morals, and educate them so that the next generation doesn’t hear the same stories.” Her potent words serve as a rallying cry for transformative action, advocating for a cultural shift where men actively take part in creating a safer environment for women.
Bhumi’s call to instill good morals and educate boys from a young age underlines the importance of changing societal norms. This step is deemed imperative to eradicating the gruesome tales of pain and oppression that have been passed down through generations.
On her professional front, Bhumi Pednekar is preparing to take on the role of a police officer in the upcoming web series ‘Daldal,’ directed by Amrit Raj Gupta. The series is based on Bhendi Bazaar by Vish Dhamija and is expected to be another noteworthy addition to Bhumi’s impressive repertoire. Furthermore, she has been cast in ‘The Royals’ on Netflix, a series that features an ensemble cast including Zeenat Aman, Ishaan Khatter, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, and Dino Morea.
Bhumi’s powerful advocacy for women’s rights, combined with her distinguished acting career, places her as a prominent figure spearheading a critical narrative. Her message this Raksha Bandhan aims not just to stir conversation but invites actionable change, urging society to go beyond traditional norms and work towards a safer, more just environment for women.
While Bhumi’s social media post has evoked significant responses, it remains to be seen how impactful her words will be in instigating long-needed cultural reforms. As she continues to depict strong female characters on-screen and actively engages in advocacy off-screen, Bhumi Pednekar reinforces her position as a compelling voice for women’s rights in contemporary India.
