There are very few celebrities in our country who dare to speak out about their horrifying harassment experiences. The hestation generally is regarding what people will think and what impression that will create about them in their minds. However, some choose to share their experiences. Recently in an interview to Indian Express, actress Taapsee Pannu came out with some revelations about how she faced harassment when she was a college-going teenager in Delhi.
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This is what she said:
“Eve-teasing used to happen almost on a daily basis in Delhi. I used to travel in DTC buses while going to college for the longest time. I got my car when I was 19. So for two years before getting a car, I used to travel in DTC buses. And eve-teasing used to happen almost daily. Not just that, I have been touched inappropriately in DTC buses. Rubbed at wrong places while in a bus. And if we ventured into crowded areas in Delhi during the time of festivals, people used to touch you at inappropriate places. It was very common and has happened to me.”
She is essaying the role of a woman who survives a molestation attempt, but doesn’t take it lying down in the upcoming film ‘Pink’. And she is of the opinion that while one must protest behaviour which outrages the modesty of women, society in fact ends up blaming women in the process.
“Our upbringing is such that we are told don’t go here, don’t do this, don’t wear so and so clothes, don’t travel to a particular place. It feels as if I am committing a wrong. We are fed such beliefs and thoughts. So when it happened with me, I started running as if it was my mistake. A list of dos and don’ts are only for us women and not men.”
Also Read: How to handle cyber sexism? Stand up to it!
The effort in 'Pink' is to send out a strong message. That women need to be strong if any molestation or harassment incidents happen with them, because only when the perpetrators are confronted that change can happen.
More power to women and women-oriented cinema!
Also Read: Is Bollywood scared of feminism?
‘Pink’ is in my check list, yours too?? Let us know in the comment section below.
Feature Image Credit: Rediff
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