WTF Wednesday: Dear Rani Mukerji, not every girl is a Mardaani to kick her predator 'between his legs'

2018 is over but its nightmarish memories are still here to haunt us. Bollywood was engulfed in the #MeToo wave and it was more than anyone, inside the industry and out, had bargained for. Of course, in the hindsight, many predators were ousted but the spine-chilling stories that kept creeping up like a fallen can of worms made everyone turn in their sleep. Having said that, it's only now that one can see some changes. And not just on paper but on the ground reality. The cognizance and acknowledgement have been widespread and it finally seems like we are ready to let victim-shaming be a thing of the past.

Or so we thought! While the majority is still up against the wall, fighting to make the industry a safer place for women, chair activism is ruining it for all. And a clear case of the same came forth during Rajeev Masand's annual Actresses Roundtable for 2018. Prominent actresses like Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, Alia Bhatt, Tabu, Rani Mukerji and Taapsee Pannu graced the panel and expressed their opinions on a lot of things. But it all turned awry when it was time to shape up the #MeToo movement in words. While Deepika, Alia, Anushka and Taapsee were on the same page, Rani had different ideas like, "You have to have the courage to protect yourselves," and "I think it is important for women to believe in themselves and say that if they don t want it to happen, it will not happen." You read that right. She even stated, "If they (women) are ever in a situation like that, then they should make sure that the man suffers right there and then kick him between his legs or give him a jhappar (slap)."

Of course, Deepika cut in said, "There are women who are not constructed like that. They feel cornered." To which she replied, "Those are the women we need to talk to and tell them that they need to change themselves." Anushka pointed out that it is putting the onus back on women, rather than men changing. But the cause was lost on Rani who seemed to believe self-defence and learning the martial art in school is the only solution. Whilst making noises and throwing her own hands in the air she was taking a test. Hey, we couldn't stress more on the fact that it's high time that women become their own saviours and superheroes but to say that "You can t tell mothers how to bring up their children" is both delusional and bizarre. Of course, her sermon-like and interrupting thoughts came from a place of entitlement, but it is baffling to even think that saying 'back off' could be the end of an assault. Not to mention, her problematic approach towards 'responsibility' and the repeated denial of any narrative other than hers.

Dear Rani, if somebody hasn't told you yet, not every girl is a Mardaani who can throw punches and keep her predator where it hurts the most. And physical assault and rape are not the only forms of harassment. Instead of nan chakus, maybe we should teach our girls and boys the concept of consent, violation of space and how not to do that. Maybe, no?

 

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