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Indian actresses are slut-shamed for having had multiple boyfriends: Alia Bhatt

Indian actresses are slut-shamed for having had multiple boyfriends: Alia Bhatt

There's a reason why the actor is secretive about her relationship(s)
03 Aug, 2016

Conservatism runs all too well across the border and for someone like Alia Bhatt this kind of ideology is what always keeps her on her toes.

In an interview with HuffPo, the actor spoke her mind about the slut-shaming Bollywood actors will face if they ever openly talked about their relationships and their need to keep their private lives hidden.

"Here [India], girls having multiple boyfriends is still a huge-ass deal and something that is frowned upon," she said. "I mean, look at Taylor Swift. She's dated, like, everybody. But if she was here, she'd be totally shamed for making those choices. Her image and appeal would be very different. The reason actresses don't talk about their private lives is because in our society there is a lot of slut-shaming. Eventually, I have a responsibility and I have to protect myself."

Which explains why she chooses to stay mum on her equation with Bollywood hunk Sidharth Malhotra.

"I don't want to be in a position where they [media] come after me because I broke up with a dude. 'Oh, aapka break-up ho gaya, ab agla kaun? Who's next?' This shallow and stupid thinking is just the reality of our society which doesn't allow women to be the way they'd like to be — free and independent," she added.

She explained that "in India, you are a part of a society that's very judgmental," because of which they (Bollywood actors) have "a very real price to pay."

But it's not just the relationships that trigger problems for these stars, it's also the 'star' label that comes with their celebrity status.

When asked what the hardest part about being Alia Bhatt is, she replied that she always had to put on a facade.

"You don't get the chance to be wrong. As a star, I am a role model and I need to convey the 'right' message — you see there's a moral code sneaking in there. [If] I am having an awful day. I cannot pretend to be happy. Give me a day off, man. But no, as Alia Bhatt, I am always on duty, always acting," explained the young star.

She admits that you are always scrutinised, always under the microscope.

"There's a lot of pressure. Like, yes, you get to fly First Class and it's all very fancy and awesome but the minute you land at the airport, you're scrutinised for the choice of your footwear. I mean, I don't want that," said Alia.

Comments

naveed Aug 03, 2016 06:53pm
well then you should learn to live with it. you can choose and the others can judge
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Sam Aug 03, 2016 07:23pm
“Give me a day off, man. But no, as Alia Bhatt, I am always on duty, always acting.” These are over the top complains. No job is easy. If she has a problem with being Alia Bhatt, then retiring is an option. These people get a lot of days off and are pampered all the time. Complaining comes from being spoiled and that’s what most of them are. No one is indispensable. They should remember that.
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KidAlia Aug 03, 2016 09:03pm
@ Alia , Nobody still Accepted you as a Actress in bollywood , Still you need to learn more from Aishwarya Rai , Kareen Kapoor ETC how to become Actress. YOu seems like Kid in bollywood first grow Up thenyou speak.
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Antony Ooty Aug 03, 2016 09:12pm
Ms Bhatt, you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. You are a public fugue and a little is expected out of you. Nobody is peeping in to your bedroom as you suggest and remember you choose this career. I wonder if you would have gotten away had you said these thing in Pakistan. your career is in a free country and that country has given you the freedom to speck the way you want. Ms Bhatt you need to smell the coffee.
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Ash Aug 03, 2016 09:13pm
For a star kid who has had it easy in life - these are nothing but tantrums! Instead of counting their lucky stars they whine and complain at every press opportunity they get. What does that say about the media as well? But back to the real point - it does go to prove how over-entitled Bollywood really is!
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sam Aug 03, 2016 10:04pm
Quit Acting!
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Khany Aug 03, 2016 11:13pm
A girl getting married divorced and moving on is accepted. But a girl without marrying and having different partners throughout life time isnt normal in India or Pakistan. But India is working hard through telivision adopting Western culture by feeding peoples minds. Even the West was no different in respecting and having dignity. Through Television Zionists were successful in changing many ways of society.
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really? Aug 04, 2016 12:35am
@Ash Some star kids maybe over entitled ut that is not true for many others who have come up by sheer dint of their labour. Examples are Priyanka, Deepika, Kangana, Vidya, Aishwarya, Bipasha.
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Harmony-1© Aug 04, 2016 12:42am
She is correct though in saying that "we are a part of a society that's very judgmental".
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Khilari Aug 04, 2016 01:09am
The shallow and stupid thing is to keep multiple boyfriends. It's an indication of a yo yo character, miss.
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Shahryar Shirazi Aug 04, 2016 01:21am
What an important piece of news!
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Jawad pakistani Aug 04, 2016 02:25am
She's right
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Rehman Aug 04, 2016 02:46am
Come to Pakistan. We are very liberal in Pakistan.
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Saulat Haider Aug 04, 2016 05:29am
She is human first and celebrity after. Showing world a different face that you don't have brings lot of stress. That is why so many actors from Hollywood depends on drugs and temporary excitements. Ultimately you have to pay the price of this "fakeness". Paparazzi and journalists don't care about you they make money when you are more miserable. Alia is sharp. intelligent and very human.
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Sachin Aug 04, 2016 06:04am
She is giving persepctive on life as an known heroine. She is not complaining. I agree with her views on how our society views women and the same men do or want to do everything nasty with women that they dont want to happen to their own daughters, sisters, mother. Hypocrisy n double standards
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Sri Aug 04, 2016 06:36am
Talking like a Hollywood star in a Bollywood. She shud grow up before she starts giving interviews.
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INDIAN Aug 04, 2016 07:47am
& That is why Jokes on Aalia Bhatts intelligence are so popular in India
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Ahmed Aug 04, 2016 08:22am
Ms Bhatt it's huge deal anywhere. Multiple boyfriends at same time is called " cheating" in every part of world!!
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sam Aug 04, 2016 10:46am
@KidAlia I though the same. she is not mature to comment.
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Aamir Aug 05, 2016 05:26am
Oh boy! Yet another person who misjudges her importance. Also having multiple boyfriends or girlfriends, is nicer way to say that you are a cheat.
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Haider Aug 07, 2016 11:28pm
Dear Alia, you are comparing apples to oranges. By plagirising Hollywood doesn't transform you to Western society. Though your movies sure try hardest, look at your culture and traditions. Is it acceptable to have boyfriends or girlfriends? If not then people are correct to judge.
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Ticklme Elmo Aug 08, 2016 11:57am
Filmi culture is debauched culture. Some of these actresses know nothing but aping western lifestyle.
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