As the nation commemorates its 78th Independence Day, a chorus of prominent Bollywood celebrities has risen to highlight an uncomfortable yet urgent issue—women’s safety. The shocking rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata have served as a catalyst, igniting a wave of social media posts from influential figures in the entertainment industry who are calling for change, justice, and an end to the rampant gender-based violence.
The conversation was led by veteran actress Raveena Tandon, who took to Instagram to express her mixed sentiments on this day of national pride. “Today with pride my children and I walk with our heads held high saying we are INDIAN. Nonetheless, the sadness that leaves an ache in our hearts, the brutal violations of our women, the inequalities in our workplaces, all I ask my dear country, we are half of you, women today in our country are a force to reckon with,” she wrote, urging her fellow citizens to recognize that women, too, deserve dignity and safety. “We might not be equals in muscle, a lone woman might not be able to fight off five men, but in emotions, intellect, feelings, we are all the same. We gave birth to you.” Her stirring message resonates deeply, emphasizing how the nurturing and life-creating forces of women must not be met with violence and disrespect.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta wasn’t far behind in adding his voice to this crucial discourse. In his post, he spoke of the societal culpability in perpetuating crimes against women. “When we normalize and even celebrate physical abuse of women, when we ignore sexual exploitation, when we glorify toxic masculinity, when we mainstream known sexual predators, WE ARE ALL PERPETRATORS AND GUILTY OF CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN.” Mehta’s words cut through the veneer of societal indifference, holding a mirror to the normalized behaviors and attitudes that foster a culture of violence and exploitation.
Meanwhile, actor and influencer Dolly Singh shared an emotionally charged piece titled “Dhyan rakhna padhta hai.” Her poignant lines criticized the myriad safety advisories women constantly receive, highlighting the ironies and limitations of a world where basic security is considered a luxury. “Saari advisory humare liye bachane ka shukriya. Hum better hone ki koshish zarur karenge,” she captioned, sarcastically thanking society for the ‘protection’ advice while yearning for true freedom.
Maanvi Gagroo’s heartfelt poem added another layer to this outcry. “I want Independence. I don’t want to ask a male friend/relative to drop me home,” she penned. Her words reflected the stark realities and the everyday fears faced by women, from carrying self-defense tools to making choices based on safety concerns.
. “I don’t want to learn the S.I.N.G Or carry a pair of scissors in my bag. I want to be free from this. I want every girl/woman to be free from this. I want independence.” Gagroo’s plea isn’t just for justice but for a fundamental change in how women live their lives in constant fear.
Actress Bhumi Pednekar joined the movement with a strongly worded note, emphasizing the urgent need for safer spaces for women. “We need stricter laws that put fear in the hearts of perpetrators,” she wrote, advocating for legal reforms that would create an environment where women can breathe freely, without the shadow of violence looming large.
Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan also used her platform to call for justice for the brutally raped and murdered doctor. Echoing the sentiments of her peers, she stressed the importance of creating a society where such heinous acts are not only condemned but prevented. “Enough is enough. We need systemic change and we need it now,” she implored.
Actress Preity Zinta added her voice to the call for change, demanding improvements in women’s safety measures and justice for the victims of gender-based violence. Zinta’s plea was a direct appeal to the conscience of the nation, urging for concrete actions rather than mere words.
The outrage continues to reverberate across the country as citizens take to the streets, refusing to back down until justice is served. The brutal murder and sexual assault of the post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor have ignited a firestorm of advocacy and demands for justice, demonstrating a collective refusal to let this tragic incident be forgotten.
In summation, this Independence Day has turned into a powerful moment of reckoning for India, as Bollywood celebrities stand united in their call for a safer, fairer society. The voices of Raveena Tandon, Hansal Mehta, Dolly Singh, Maanvi Gagroo, Bhumi Pednekar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Preity Zinta echo a widespread demand for change, justice, and the fundamental right to live without fear.
