Prakashi Tomar, one half of the Uttar Pradesh duo of 'shooter dadis,' mourned the death of Chandro Tomar who passed away Friday from COVID-19. Chandro and Prakashi Tomar, sisters-in-law, were hailed as India's oldest sharpshooters and are regarded as feminist champions, for having defied patriarchal norms to realise their ambitions well into their 60s.
"My company is gone. Chandro where did you go?" Tomar's heartrending post on Twitter read soon after Chandro's death, alongside a photo of herself and the late sharpshooter.
See the post below:
Tributes are pouring in for 'shooter dadi' from across the board on social media. Hardeep Singh Puri, Aviation Minister, paid his respects calling Chandro Tomar "an epitome of gender equality."
Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar who essayed the roles of the sisters-in-law in the 2019 film Saand Ki Aankh, which was based on the duo, also mourned the loss on Twitter.
Sharing behind-the-scene stills from their shoot, Pednekar who played the late sharpshooter, wrote, "You will be missed so much... Forever."
Pannu, meanwhile, who played the other sister For the inspiration you will always be...
You will live on forever in all the girls you gave hope to live. My cutest rockstar May the ✌🏼 and peace be with you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4823i5jyeP
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) April 30, 2021 alongside a picture of herself and Chandro Tomar, "For the inspiration you will always be... You will live on forever in all the girls you gave hope to live. My cutest rockstar."
About 'Shooter Dadis' Prakashi Tomar And Chandro Tomar
Renowned shooters from the Johri area in UP, Chandro and Prakashi Tomar were confined within traditional patriarchal households - where serving the family, tending to the house, domestic chores were the only passions cut out for women - before coming into their real interest for the rifle sport.
In 1999, they began their sharpshooting careers at the same time their granddaughters were only just beginning to train for the sport. The duo had since gone on to earn international recognition and win several championship titles across India.
The young women of their house, Seema and Shefali, prominently carry the Tomars' legacy of sharpshooting forward. The two elderly women, both of whom had entered their 80s, were known in Johri for encouraging other daughters to follow their dreams.
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