Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, who is known for her impactful roles and strong social messages, has once again taken a stand on a significant issue. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the actress used her social media platform to address the pervasive problem of violence against women in India. Bhumi’s timely post has come amid the heightened outrage in Kolkata over the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor, highlighting that the systemic issue of violence against women continues to plague the nation.
Bhumi shared a rich and emotional message on Instagram, which she also captioned in Hindi, drawing attention to the gender-based atrocities that women have been enduring. She began her post on a positive note, expressing her gratitude towards the men in her life. “Happy Raksha Bandhan. I’ve been fortunate to have had brothers and men in my life who have been my allies. Thank you!”
The actress then plunged into a powerful recounting of the various forms of violence that women face every day in India. She wrote, “Since childhood, we have been hearing stories—So-and-so’s sister is beaten badly by her husband but cannot leave him; another’s sister met with an accident, which seemed like a dowry case; a sister was about to go to college but had to stop because some boys harassed her too much; someone threw acid on a sister because she raised her voice against harassment.”
Bhumi’s words depict a grim reality, listing numerous scenarios where women face violence—being raped while returning from work, accompanying a friend on a bus, going to school, working in the fields, or staying late at the office. She posed a poignant question, “It’s 2024, why do we still need protection from our brothers?” Bhumi’s interrogation extends beyond just a rhetorical question; it delves deep into the societal fabric that has conditioned women to seek protection instead of securing a world that doesn’t threaten their safety to begin with.
The actress didn’t stop there. She further elaborated, “How many times and from how many people will our brothers save us? All those men who committed these crimes against women were someone’s brothers. When they did such heinous acts, did they not think about their sisters and mothers? Where is fear? Where is humanity?” Bhumi’s words call for a fundamental shift in how society views and addresses the issue of gender-based violence.
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Her message is an appeal for collective action this Raksha Bandhan. She urged society to raise their voices and fight alongside their sisters and daughters. The onus, according to Bhumi, is also on educating sons with good morals and values so that the upcoming generation does not have to hear the same harrowing stories. This is a call to break the cycle of violence by fostering a culture of respect and humanity from an early age.
Bhumi Pednekar’s social activism is not just limited to her posts. Her recent film, ‘Bhakshak,’ also underscores her commitment to bringing societal issues to light. The film focuses on the sexual abuse endured by young girls at a shelter home, echoing the real-life issues that she discusses in her social media posts.
On the professional front, Bhumi continues to make waves in Bollywood. She is all set to play the role of a cop in the upcoming web series ‘Daldal,’ directed by Amrit Raj Gupta. The series, based on Vish Dhamija’s ‘Bhendi Bazaar,’ promises to be another intense and gripping narrative. Bhumi will also feature in ‘The Royals’ on Netflix, alongside noted actors like Zeenat Aman, Ishaan Khatter, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, and Dino Morea.
As an actress and a public figure, Bhumi Pednekar’s initiatives and messages inspire many. Her Raksha Bandhan message is more than just a social media post; it’s a call to action, a plea for change, and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to make the world a safer place for women. As 2024 advances, her words resonate, urging society to reflect on its values and work towards a future where protection is not a necessity but a given right for all.
