Are Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone ‘seasonal feminists’?

Cambridge English dictionary defines feminism as, “the belief that women should be allowed the same rights, power, and opportunities as men and be treated in the same way, or the set of activities intended to achieve this state.” It has now become a trend for everyone to be a feminist and rightly so! I am a feminist, you are a feminist and if you are not, then you are frowned upon and looked at disgustingly and given the tag of misogynist and male chauvinistic pig (MCP).

Let’s take a look at these names for a second – Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Deepika Padukone, Taapsee Pannu, Priyanka Chopra, Twinkle Khanna, Kajol, Shraddha Kapoor, Swara Bhasker, Radhika Apte and the list goes on. These actresses pride themselves on being feminists and want equal rights in the industry. Recently, director Vikas Bahl was given a clean chit regarding his sexual harassment case and he now has been reinstated as the director of ‘Super 30’. I don’t think any of the so-called feminist actresses raised their voice regarding the clean chit and how it was officiated or done. What was the criteria of ICC (Internal Complaints Committee) and what happens to the victim or where is she right now, has anyone bothered to check on her? The answer is a big fat NO.

Sonam Kapoor has an opinion on everything and thinks very highly of herself. Has she ever asked her dad Anil Kapoor, who is in his 60s (62 to be precise) that why does he act in films like ‘Welcome Back’, ‘Race’ franchise,’No Entry’, where women are treated as dumb and idiotic and they are only there as sex objects? Why doesn’t Sonam raise these issues in public and what is her take on item songs?

Bollywood might be progressing but it is still rooted in deep misogyny and sexism. Priyanka Chopra is now a global phenomenon, but she has done songs like ‘Babli Badmaash Hai’ and ‘Pinki Hai Paisowali Ki’ (I am not kidding, these are the lyrics of a song). Is this her idea of representing women on screen?

Is Kangana Ranaut a feminist? The way she behaves, speaks, uses filthy and obnoxious language to target other people would certainly not be a feminist thing to do. The three-time national-award winning actress has no respect for other people and just by shouting and screaming, doesn’t mean you are always making the right point.

Kangana Ranaut has time and again crossed the line with her poor and appalling behaviour.

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I have no problem with actresses raising their voice or taking a stand, but it has to be consistent and cannot be opportunistic. Where were all these heroines when Tanushree Dutta made allegations against Nana Patekar of sexual misconduct? Did they take out a march or showed any solidarity with Tanushree by being there for her? No wonder Tanushree has gone back to the USA and fighting this battle all alone. It is very easy to hide behind a computer and tweet some message, raise placards, but it takes guts to stand with people, who have been victims of assault or are not powerful enough to take on their preparators.

Anushka Sharma and Deepika Padukone are two of the finest actresses of this generation, but they have also been pseudo-feminists. They regularly make an appearance on the shows of Kapil Sharma, who is a rank misogynist and a sexist individual. If you believe in feminism, then why would you go on a show like this and make a mockery of your principles.

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Deepika and Anushka also made their weddings huge spectacles (knowingly or unknowingly) and it came across as quite nonsensical and dumb. And Twinkle Khanna should watch her husband’s old films before she lectures others on regarding why women should get equal rights? And where was Kajol, when her husband Ajay Devgn didn’t fire Alok Nath (sexual harassment accused) from ‘De De Pyaar De’ and what kind of example is she setting for up and coming actresses in general?

Feminism is the reality of our times and we all have to embrace it, but it cannot be a policy of ‘pick and choose’. If you believe in something, then stand up for it and don’t worry about the consequences. The 21st century is all about being equal and changing the rules of the game for women, who have been suppressed and bullied a lot. But, for Christ’s sake, don’t be rank opportunists and use the feminism tag, when it suits you.

Also Read: Is Ayushmann Khurrana becoming a class act by being versatile and bold in his film choices?

Dhaval Mehta

I am crazy and obsessed with politics, sports and entertainment. A journalist, who is not afraid to give his opinion and believes in calling spade a spade. I like to think on my feet and come up with original, fresh and out of the box ideas.
Email: editor@bollywoodbubble.com Phone: +91 8355910465