Mallika Sherawat is one Bollywood actress who will not stand and watch women in her country fall victim to its patriarchal society. In a recent viral video shot during a promotional event for Mallika’s latest show The Bachelorette India, a female journalist decided to challenge the Bollywood actress on a statement she had made in an old interview.
In a rather aggressive tone, the reporter asks Mallika, “You called India regressive and depressing. So I want to ask you why would you want to come back to this country and find true love?”
Mallika then responds on point, “I think you need to do your homework, well, because I said Indian society is regressive for women.”
The reporter, in a hostile tone, asked Mallika to explain why she had called India a regressive society for women.
To defend herself, Mallika explains, “From female foeticide, infanticide numbers taking on a daily basis, gang rapes making the headlines, honour killing. Today I read in the paper, according to UNFPA, 40 percent 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 it”.
The reporter doesn’t back down and continues to press Mallika on, “I understand what you’re saying is the truth, Mallika, about women. But when you go on an international platform and say India is regressive for women, then it confirms what they (outsiders) already think of India.”
Mallika responds, “I’m not going to lie. I’m not going join this hypocrisy that is there in our society. There are rapes, honour killings in India. Are you saying that if somebody asks me question on that, I should say no. Should I lie?”
The Bollywood actress then points out that if women do not talk about the issues that plague them, who will?
Despite Mallika’s controversial image in India, we can’t help but to commend her bold speech. The actress clearly knows her facts and figures when it comes to the life of women in India.
Watch Mallika Sherawat in the video here:
[Source]
