On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Bollywood luminaries took to their social media platforms not only to commemorate the day but also to spotlight a pressing issue—women’s safety. The nation finds itself grappling with outrage and grief over the recent Kolkata doctor rape and murder case, a horrifying incident that has reignited the conversation on women’s safety in India.
Raveena Tandon was among the first to express her heartfelt concerns. In a poignant post on Instagram, she wrote, “Today with pride, my children and I walk with our heads held high saying we are INDIAN. Nonetheless, the sadness that leaves an ache in our hearts, the brutal violations of our women, the inequalities in our workplaces, all I ask my dear country, we are half of you, we gave birth to you.” Tandon’s message, deeply moving and earnest, touched on the emotional and societal challenges women face daily.
Hansal Mehta also shared a strongly worded statement. “When we normalise and even celebrate physical abuse of women, when we ignore sexual exploitation of women, when we turn a blind eye to the misuse of power by men for sexual favours, when we glorify toxic masculinity, when we mainstream known sexual predators, and when we trivialise, doubt, isolate, or stigmatise women who complain of harassment and ignore unsafe conditions for women in our homes, workplaces, and streets, WE ARE ALL PERPETRATORS AND GUILTY OF CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN,” he declared. Mehta’s post serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing society, urging individuals to take responsibility and act against these atrocities.
Actor-influencer Dolly Singh, visibly emotional, shared lines titled “Dhyan Rakhna Padhta Hai.” Her caption read, “Saari advisory humare liye bachane ka shukriya. Hum better honey ki koshish zarur karenge. Jo swatantra hain, unhe swatantrata diwas ki shubhkamnayein.” Singh’s heartfelt delivery aimed to emphasize the repetitive advisories women hear for their protection, highlighting a yearning for genuine freedom rather than constant caution.
Maanvi Gagroo echoed similar sentiments through a powerful poem. “I want Independence. I don’t want to ask a male friend or relative to drop me home. I don’t want them to have to offer. I don’t want to pretend to be on a call while walking alone after dark. I don’t want to actually have to be on a call. I don’t want to learn the S.I.N.G or carry a pair of scissors in my bag.
. I don’t want to reject a nice house because it doesn’t have a safety door. I don’t want to have to make my dog bark so the person standing outside my house knows I have one. I don’t want to have to make decisions based on fear. I want to be free from this. I want every girl and woman to be free from this. I want independence.” Gagroo’s poem poignantly captures the nuanced fears that women experience, urging for a societal shift that does not force women to live in constant vigilance.
Actress Bhumi Pednekar also weighed in with a stirring message demanding safer environments for women. In her post, she emphasized the urgency for stringent laws to instill fear among the perpetrators. “This Independence Day, let’s reflect and take responsibility. We need stronger laws and stricter enforcement to ensure that women feel safe and secure in every corner of our country. Our freedom is incomplete without the safety of our women,” she noted.
The horrific Kolkata doctor case has not been sidelined by Bollywood’s most renowned faces. Kareena Kapoor Khan made an impassioned call for justice for the doctor who fell victim to the brutal crime. Her post resonated with the widespread outrage and the need for swift legal action against the culprits.
Preity Zinta joined the chorus of voices advocating for better safety measures for women. “The time for change is now. We cannot afford to wait any longer. Women deserve to feel safe and respected in their own country,” Zinta asserted in her social media post, reflecting the sentiments of countless individuals demanding reforms.
The public fury continues to simmer as protests and demonstrations ripple across the nation. The harrowing murder and sexual assault of the post-graduate trainee doctor has struck a chord, prompting many to take to the streets, insisting on justice and systemic change.
As Bollywood celebrities amplify calls for women’s safety on this Independence Day, their unified voices underscore the essential need for societal evolution. Their posts have not only captured the essence of national pride but also highlighted the gaps that need urgent attention to ensure the safety and dignity of every woman in India.
