The safety of women in India has resurfaced as a critical topic of national conversation following the heinous rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata. Amid this heightened concern, actress Mallika Sherawat recently shared a powerful throwback video on her Instagram account, where she addressed the pressing issue of gang rapes and broader violence against women in India. In this old footage, Sherawat was seen fielding questions from the media at a public event, where she made a bold assertion about the state of women’s safety in the nation.
When questioned about her earlier remarks calling India a regressive country, Sherawat clarified her stance, emphasizing, “I said that India is regressive for women, and I’ll tell you exactly why.” The actress elaborated on the grim realities faced by women in India, citing alarming statistics and ongoing atrocities. “With female infanticide occurring almost daily, with gang rapes dominating the headlines, and with honor killings—today, only I tweeted about it. I read in the paper today that, according to the UNFPA, 40% of Indian women are married below the age of 18. I think it’s a very, very regressive state for women, and I stand by that.”
Sherawat’s decision to speak out was not taken lightly, and she faced significant backlash for her comments. She shared how she was attacked for her candid statements, not just by segments of the media but also by prominent figures in Bollywood. “When an interviewer asks me what I have to say about these gang rapes making headlines internationally, in papers like the New York Times and Washington Post, and on 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 asserted firmly.
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In her recent Instagram post, Sherawat reflected on the hostile reactions she faced from influential women within the media and film industry. “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.
Adding further insight into the dynamics of these attacks, Sherawat highlighted a disturbing trend where those in positions of power chose to silence voices advocating for change rather than supporting them. “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 stated.
Sherawat stressed the importance of solidarity among women, particularly those in influential roles, to amplify the fight against injustices rather than diminish it. “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 added.
This bold stance by Sherawat serves as a reminder and a call to action for society to address the deep-rooted issues preventing progress in women’s safety in India. Despite the challenges, Sherawat remains steadfast in her commitment to advocating for women’s rights and safety, even in the face of significant opposition. Her recent reflections resonate with many who are engaged in the ongoing struggle to make India a safer place for women.
By sharing her experiences and continually raising her voice against such critical issues, Sherawat not only sheds light on the dire conditions faced by women but also encourages a broader conversation on the necessary steps to foster change. Her message underscores the need for continuous vigilance and active participation from all sectors of society to challenge and eliminate the systemic issues contributing to violence against women in India.
