Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, renowned for her impactful roles and social activism, has once again made waves. This time, she has taken to social media on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan to question the inherent need for women to seek protection from their brothers in 2024. Her message has struck a chord amid growing concerns about women’s safety in India, particularly following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.
In a poignant Instagram post, Bhumi shared a heartfelt caption, “Happy Raksha Bandhan! I’ve been fortunate to have had brothers and men in my life who have been my allies. Thank you!” However, this was not just a simple greeting; it was a prelude to a powerful message about the grim realities women still face daily.
Addressing her followers in Hindi, Bhumi recounted grim stories that many are all too familiar with. “We have been hearing since childhood – So-and-so’s sister is beaten badly by her husband. But the poor girl cannot leave him. Her sister met with an accident; it seemed like it was a dowry case. Her sister was about to go to college, but some boys harassed her so much that she had to stop going. Someone threw acid on her sister, boys would harass her, she raised her voice and this happened. Her sister was returning from work in the evening and got raped. She accompanied her friend on a bus and got raped. She was on her way to school and got raped. She was working in the fields and got raped. She was working late at night in the office and got raped.”
These wrenching stories are more than anecdotes; they reflect the pervasive culture of violence against women.
. Bhumi’s concern, voiced through her social media, is deeply personal yet universally relatable. She asks, “It’s 2024, why do we still need protection from our brothers? How many times and from how many people will our brothers save us?”
Bhumi’s questioning is not merely rhetorical; it digs into the heart of societal issues and calls for introspection and action. She points out the paradox that those who perpetrate these crimes are themselves someone’s brothers. “When they did such heinous acts do they not think about their sisters and mothers? Where is fear? Where is humanity?”
Her message on Raksha Bandhan, a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, was particularly poignant. Traditionally, the festival involves sisters tying a Rakhi (a sacred thread) on their brother’s wrist, who in return, vow to protect them. However, Bhumi emphasized that the need for protection should not arise from fear but from respect and mutual understanding.
She concluded her stirring message with a call to action, urging society to “raise your voices and fight alongside your sisters and daughters. Teach your sons good morals, and educate them so that the next generation doesn’t hear the same stories.”
This call to re-evaluate societal norms and the role of men in preventing violence against women resonated with many. It underlined the urgent need for moral education and active participation in combating these issues, rather than passive protection.
On the professional front, Bhumi Pednekar continues to make her mark in the film industry with impactful roles. She is all set to portray the role of a cop in the upcoming web series ‘Daldal,’ directed by Amrit Raj Gupta. The series is based on the novel “Bhendi Bazaar” by Vish Dhamija, promising a gripping narrative.
Additionally, fans can look forward to seeing her in ‘The Royals’ on Netflix, where she will star alongside a star-studded cast including Zeenat Aman, Ishaan Khatter, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, and Dino Morea. This show is anticipated to be another feather in her cap, further showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Bhumi’s impactful intervention on social media, combined with her upcoming roles, underscores her commitment to using her platform to highlight and challenge societal issues while entertaining and engaging her audience. As we navigate 2024, her message is a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure a safer, more equitable world for everyone.
