The entire country has been devastated by the rape and murder case in Kolkata. Amidst the vocal criticism and demands for accountability, an interview featuring multiple Bollywood female actors discussing women’s safety has reappeared on the internet. Rani Mukerji stated in the interview that she believes women should practice “martial arts” and be more “responsible.” Anushka Sharma and Deepika Padukone, meanwhile, questioned her claims, arguing that women shouldn’t bear the burden of the responsibility in the first place.
Rani Mukerji vs Deepika Padukone on Women Safety
The interview dates back to 2018, when six actors—Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Rani Mukerji, Anushka Sharma, Tabu, and Taapsee Pannu—were featured during the Actress Roundtable. Rani Mukerji stated, “I think as a woman, you have to be that powerful yourself,” in reference to the Me-Too movement. You should have the guts to say “back off” if you ever find yourself in a situation like that. Everything is connected to what you want in your life. If they are ever in a situation like that, they should make sure that the man suffers right there and then. Give him the jhapad (a tight slap) or kick him between the legs. He’ll be afraid to do it again after remembering it.
Deepika disagreed, saying, “Unfortunately, I don’t think everyone is constructed with that sort of DNA.” Deepika retorted, “We’re now talking about self-defense,” to Rani’s assertion that we must take responsibility for ourselves and even proposed that girls take up martial arts. Why should I even need to learn how to protect myself? While all of these things are fantastic, stop it right away because the circumstance shouldn’t even exist.
Many people took offense at Rani’s remarks and applauded Deepika for responding in a more sensible manner. “Rani making zero sense and points but keeps yapping on her nonsense,” a person commented. The women there are really patient, because I would have left immediately.
In the words of a second user, “Rani is completely unworkable here. She was completely unaware of the psychological damage and how a young girl would take care of herself. What would happen if a girl forced by a group of people, someone physically stronger than her, or someone carrying a weapon?