Images

Bollywood celebs call out misogyny in India after Bangalore mass molestation

Bollywood celebs call out misogyny in India after Bangalore mass molestation

"The Bangalore incident makes me feel we are evolving backwards from humans to animals," Akshay Kumar tweeted
05 Jan, 2017

The mass molestation in Bangalore on New Year's Eve has caused widespread anger in India, and not only because the attacks took place.

Thousands of molesters attacked women revellers in Bangalore on January 1; however, some Indian political leaders chose to criticise the victims instead of the attackers.

Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara suggested the women's attire caused the attack in an interview, “They try to copy westerners not only in mindset, but even the dressing, so some disturbance, some girls are harassed, these kind of things do happen."

Similarly, Samajwadi Party leader, Abu Azmi said: "In these modern times, the more skin women show, the more they are considered fashionable. If my sister or daughter stays out beyond sunset celebrating December 31 with a man who isn't their husband or brother, that's not right."

Bollywood celebs, however, are countering statements like Abu Azmi's with contempt for their misogynist beliefs.

Akshay Kumar used more than just 140 characters to convey his message:

Arjun Kapoor and Arjun Rampal retweeted Akshay Kumar's video in approval:

Shabana Azmi openly criticised Abu Azmi's misogyny:

Javed Akhtar called out not just Abu Azmi but all other politicians who pointed fingers at women rather the men:

So did Farhan Akhtar:

Anupam Kher also followed suit:

Mahesh Bhatt echoed our sentiments:

Hansal Mehta asked the media to be more sensitive about airing material:

Alia Bhatt retweeted Farhan Akhtar's status:

Varun Dhawan just had to vent:

So did Richa Chadha, who was downright furious:

Here's what Aamir Khan told Bengalore Mirror:

"What happened in Bangalore was very sad. We all are saddened and feel ashamed when something like this happens in our country. Every state government should take a step for this."

He asked the law enforcement to "become strong and work rapidly" and cited America's system as an example.

"You see in America, if an incident like this happens, within two-three months the guilty person is punished and the case is closed. When this happens, I feel there will be a big change."

"In today's age, people who misbehave with girls think 'nothing will happen to us'. When such examples come in front of us, that whoever did this is behind bars within 2-3 months, and continuously if we see this, situation will change. There will be fear among people, which is a very important thing."

Comments

Amjad Jan 05, 2017 05:54pm
The Indian films and stage shows contain lot of violence and also instigate sarcastic comments against women. Therefore, harassment and rape will definitely get encouragement in the society. Although we also have violence against women, but its causes are quite different, which will require different approach. Pakistan's censor board and PEMRA should, therefore, advise the cinemas and the cable operators to screen such contents so that our society is not plagued with such an indecent behavior.
Recommend
Indian Jan 05, 2017 05:56pm
really ashamed of the Incident
Recommend
ghaznavi Jan 05, 2017 06:47pm
Bollywood cannot get off by lip serving condemnations. Bollywood is responsible for molding young minds to the state that was exhibited in Bangalore.
Recommend
Aamer Jan 05, 2017 06:52pm
No matter how advance or moderate media portrays India, but the fact is majority of Indians are backward. I am surprised at the girls why will they go out like that in a country where not so long ago a girl got raped on the bus.
Recommend
Zubai Jan 05, 2017 07:44pm
He is spot on about India.
Recommend
Rana nasir Jan 05, 2017 08:12pm
Mr Akshay, you are the no 1 enemy of india now. Telling the truth is the worst thing in india.
Recommend
Rouf Jan 05, 2017 08:20pm
@ghaznavi Wrong
Recommend
Hassan (Karachi) Jan 05, 2017 08:46pm
Love and Respect to Akshay Kumar, well said.
Recommend
Khan USA Jan 05, 2017 08:50pm
@Indian You should be !
Recommend
Khan USA Jan 05, 2017 08:51pm
Modi India has no place for a woman !
Recommend
Ahsan gul Jan 05, 2017 09:40pm
Lets not just criticize each other statements to prove concern for women and be the champion of females but find out what causes this behavior and how to resolve this big issue. It is very deplorable situation but there has to be some solutions. This mob mentality of males must be stopped after finding out reasons. This is clearly a learned male behavior.
Recommend
Pakistani Jan 05, 2017 09:56pm
I am a mother and I will never let my daughter and also my son to go out alone in the evening in countries like India and Pakistan. My first priority is to keep my kids safe and then to change the society which might take another century or two.
Recommend
Hamaad Jan 05, 2017 10:35pm
The perpetrators must be caught and punished. The women too have responsibility to behave appropriately in the prevailing society and its mindset. Cultural norms cannot be transplanted from outside.
Recommend
azeem usmani Jan 06, 2017 04:40am
you are absolutely true sir Amir
Recommend
alok Jan 06, 2017 09:32am
@Zubai : It speaks a lot about your respect for women. Please respect women.
Recommend
Rajesh Jan 06, 2017 10:38am
@Rana nasir Wrong. the majority of indians agree with Akshay kumar. The majority of indians are ashamed of what happened..
Recommend
NKhan Jan 06, 2017 06:05pm
Hypocritical of some Bollywood stars to condemn this behavior when they themselves do not portray positive behavior towards women in films. How many times does the hero fall madly in love with the girl only for the girl to say no thanks not interested. The hero will then follow her every move and sings songs like 'larki man jayegi' This gives the impression that when the girl says no she does not really mean it and you just need to keep hassling her.
Recommend
NKhan Jan 06, 2017 06:09pm
@Amjad I agree with you comment. However there is a disturbing trend in Pakistani dramas which although not as physically bold or liberal as Bollywood is not good. This is where the hero stalks the lady he is in love with even when she says no. In Meri Naam Yusuf Hai the hero sneaks into the heroine's bedroom at night to tell her he likes her. He did not think of her reputation or what her family would do to her if he had got caught. And this was shown as him being romantic. Recently in Di Lagi the behavior of the hero was also disturbing.
Recommend
Junaid Khalid Jan 06, 2017 06:16pm
It's very sad to hear about that!! Victims deserve independents in her life bcoz they are very respectable for us
Recommend
Sameer Jan 07, 2017 10:16am
PEMRA should be sensible. Ensure India's rape culture not make hell in Pakistan as well. pk has enough probs already.
Recommend
Truth Jan 07, 2017 03:28pm
@Sameer if it's is rape culture.then all Stars wold have appreciated the kids of mob for holding our culture
Recommend