Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, known for her versatile roles and impactful performances, took to social media this Raksha Bandhan to pen a powerful message regarding women’s safety and societal values. Pednekar’s heartfelt post comes at a crucial time, amid fresh waves of outrage following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Highlighting the irony and outdated nature of the festival’s traditional premise in the modern context, Bhumi passionately questioned, “It’s 2024, why do we still need protection from our brothers?”
Pednekar’s post began with a distressing encapsulation of various harrowing incidents faced by women—a narrative that has been haunting Indian society for generations. “We have been hearing since childhood – So-and-so’s sister is beaten badly by her husband, but 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,” she wrote. Each line reminded her followers of the horrific realities that many women face daily, whether it be domestic violence, harassment, or heinous crimes like rape and acid attacks.
Pednekar’s poignant message continued with questions reminiscent of societal reflections: “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?” With these rhetorical questions, she aimed to spotlight the fundamental issues deeply rooted in society’s fabric—misogyny, a lack of accountability, and systemic failures that perpetuate violence against women.
Reinforcing the necessity for societal transformation, Bhumi exhorted her followers: “Where is fear? Where is humanity? 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 call to action urged both men and women to work together towards creating a safer environment for everyone.
. Emphasizing that it’s not merely about offering protection but fundamentally changing mindsets and educating the younger generation on respect and morality, Pednekar underscored that such transformation is essential to abolish the repeated cycles of violence and discrimination.
Amidst the grim context, Bhumi also expressed gratitude for having supportive men in her life. “I’ve been fortunate to have had brothers and men in my life that have been my allies. Thank you!” she wrote, highlighting that positive male allies play a crucial role in fostering a safer and more equitable society.
On the professional front, Bhumi Pednekar continues to make significant strides. Following the impactful release of ‘Bhakshak,’ which addressed the heartbreaking issue of sexual abuse endured by young girls at a shelter home, Bhumi is all set to take on a new role as a police officer in the upcoming web series ‘Daldal’. Directed by Amrit Raj Gupta, the series is inspired by Vish Dhamija’s story ‘Bhendi Bazaar.’ This crime thriller will see Bhumi portray the gritty reality of Mumbai’s underbelly, and aims to deliver another gripping performance that echoes her commitment to socially relevant narratives.
Additionally, Pednekar is gearing up for an impressive ensemble cast project titled ‘The Royals’ slated to stream on Netflix. This multi-starrer features icons like Zeenat Aman, Ishaan Khatter, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, and Dino Morea. The show promises an intriguing mix of drama and power dynamics, set against the backdrop of royal intrigue and politics.
As Bhumi Pednekar calls for societal change this Raksha Bandhan, her words resonate beyond the screen, challenging individuals to reconsider the traditional roles and the need for a broader cultural shift. She urges her followers to transform the premise of Raksha Bandhan from one of protection to one of solidarity and mutual respect, aiming for a society where all women are safe not because they are guarded by men, but because of a universal endorsement of humanity and moral integrity.
