Indian actress Richa Chadha believes that women are not always portrayed well in Bollywood. She was part of a "Gender-based Violence in India" panel discussion on Sept. 9, Friday, in Mumbai, India. The actress commented that some Bollywood films do not depict women in good light though it produces great films in the positive side.
The 29-year-old Amritstar-born actress observed most people usually do not openly talk about it and let their daughters live with crime against women. It is because they are embarrassed to do so. She said statistics figures are actually double because of under reporting.
The anti-violence advocate actress shared she was deeply affected by her encounter with a guy in a juvenile rehabilitation center. While filming "Main Aur Charles," she met a teen in the rehab center who was held for raping an 11-year-old neighbor. The guy spoke casually about his crime, giving the actress the impression that he was not reformed at all, The Times of India reported.
The "Masaan" star feels sorry for her country India, which worships several goddesses more than any culture, yet has double standards with regard to treating women. She sees the big division between people who worship goddesses and those who neglect women, an issue that has been confusing her since she was a child.
Violence against women in India starts in the womb, even before the girl is born. On the other hand, the country celebrates Navratri, a nine-day fasting for the goddess, then Durga Pooja.
"All kinds of goddesses in India are worshipped and praised than in any other culture," Richa said. "But when it comes to our women, daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, we have a completely different standard."
The actress finds it important to educate their men when it comes to treating women, as well as give females confidence so they can achieve what they want in life. She admitted it will not be addressed overnight and that the issue is rooted on religion and tradition which is a broad topic.
"Gender-based Violence in India" commenced the "Justice Institute" program, in association with Vital Voices and Avon Foundation. Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Program Director Christine Jaworsky and Vital Voices' Director of Vital Voices Gigi Scoles were also present during the event, according to the Avon Foundation for Women.
Here is a scoop of Chadha's input during the panel discussion.
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