Shabana Azmi, in what was a show of solidarity and support, sent a letter signed by the Bollywood actresses to the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, to provide protection to Deepika Padukone. This letter, called the attention of Mr. Modi to the death threats that were issued to Deepika by fringe groups like Karni Sena over the release of Padmavati.
Also Read About Deepika Padukone Dietition
While a lot of actresses came forward and signed, Kangana Ranaut refused to do so. True to her outspoken and fierce nature, she issued a statement that gave her reason for doing so and placed the blame squarely on Shabana Azmi’s shoulders. Here’s her statement that has been doing the rounds. “I was filming Manikarnika in Jodhpur, got a call from my dear friend Anushka Sharma to sign the petition written by Ms Shabana Azmi. I explained to Anushka that Deepika Padukone has all my support but I am a bit wary of Shabana Azmi’s investment in left wing vs right wing politics. I have my own set of ideas and opinions about the current situation in our country. I am on the fence about many things and being a part of a feminist movement called ‘Deepika bachao‘ lead by someone who character assassinated me when I was bullied, seems to be one of them. Anushka understood but I am glad they reached out to me, like I said Deepika has all my support. I am an individual perfectly capable of supporting who I like without anyone’s support.”
While we applaud Kangana’s courage to once again fearlessly speak her mind but this time, we’re a little conflicted. We wholeheartedly agree with Kangana that one woman’s honour cannot be more important than another woman’s honour nor is feminism a selective battle which you fight based on the woman in question. But what is holding us back from supporting Kangana in this situation is the cause in question.
This time, it wasn’t about Kangana Ranaut or her vested interests, but about a woman’s life being threatened for acting in a movie she thought was worthy of her time and talent. It was about a woman’s right to expression. And as a woman who herself was threatened in the past, you’d expect her to keep her personal grudges with both Deepika and Shabana Azmi aside to speak out against what women in our country have to face.
It’s hypocritical of Kangana to be practising self-serving feminism in this case. Sometimes, it is important to remember that the cause is bigger than an individual or any personal grudge.
What do you think?
