Women are seen calling the shots in more and more fields and are climbing higher on the ladder of success with each passing year. But is the current environment in the country, really paving way for the future growth of women? Is society creating a conducive atmosphere for them to pursue their goals and passions and excel in their chosen fields, at home or at work? Do they have any role models who inspire them? What can society at large do, to improve the lot of women in our country? Does one need a special International Women’s day to celebrate the cause of women? How will some of them, be spending March 8? These are some of the questions Rinku Gupta threw to a few of our contemporary, young, energetic and successful heroines of the Tamil film industry This is what they had to say…
Pia Bajpai
You don’t need one particular day to celebrate womanhood because women are always special! Men don’t have a ‘Men’s Day’, So why should we women keep treating ourselves differently and expect any special treatment from others? We should strive more for equality. We should firmly believe that we are not second class citizens in any way. Only if we respect ourselves, will others respect us. I feel the key lies in giving women the opportunities to get a sound education. Armed with that, they can move ahead in life in pursuit of their dreams. For me, my mother is the biggest inspiration and role model. I have seen how difficult it was for her to support my dreams and let me go to Mumbai to be an actor. Despite being a simple school teacher in a small town in India, she fought against my family’s wishes and made the decision to let me build my own career. I owe everything I am today, to her. A simple lady, she gave us important and sound values that have stood me in good stead in my chosen path. With the survival instincts she nurtured in me, I found it much easier to carve my path in Mumbai as a model and later, as an actor. I think every woman has it in her to be a pillar of support to her family when needed.
Amala Paul
Setting aside a ‘Women’s Day’ serves to remind me that we women are given importance once again, by a society in which I doubt we are the dominating sex! So, yes, it’s a good feeling. But despite our achievements, we still have a long way to go. I feel that extremely strict action should be taken against those who indulge in crimes like the Nirbhaya case in Delhi. I feel capital punishment should be handed out without delay, for perpetrators of such crimes against women. I feel very strongly on this issue and have been reiterating this many times. I’m afraid people have almost forgotten the incident after the initial heated reactions. In today’s uncertain world, stringent measures ensuring safety of women are of utmost importance. Only then can we truly celebrate this day!
Taapsee Pannu
This particular Women’s Day is extra special for me because my Gundello Godari is releasing in Telugu. In addition, I am busy promoting my Hindi movie, Chashme Baddoor. All I would like to say to women is ‘you should stand up for what or who you are and not let anyone bog you down just because you are a woman. If you believe in yourself, the world will believe in you.’ I don’t have any role models but many women in my field inspire me, like Priyanka Chopra, Preity Zinta, Sushmita Sen and my friend Lakshmi Manchu.
Priya Anand
I am shooting for 30 days a month, so I will be doing the same on Women’s Day. I think empowering women is very important. I work closely with children and we raised money for 100 kids to go to school, most of them being girls. Celebrate Women’s Day by educating a girl.
Anjali
It’s not necessary to celebrate one particular day as Women’s Day. What we need to do is to inculcate respect for women in society and to ensure an environment of safety for them. We should take pride in being women. I really look up to Sridevi and Mother Teresa — for their dedication and selflessness. On March 8, this year, I will be busy shooting and working — that’s the best way to celebrate this day !
Hansika
For me, every day is Women’s Day and like any other day, I will be shooting. In earlier times, women had many restrictions placed upon them. But today, thanks to a sound education, girls are more empowered to take their own decisions and differentiate for themselves between good and bad. If a mother in a family is educated, the entire family benefits, so as far as I am concerned, education is the key.
Karthika Nair
The need of the hour is that women of today should train themselves in defence and self–protection, in order to safely pursue their dreams. They have to take pride in being themselves and not depend on anyone. On a personal note, I’ll be shooting for my Kannada film Brindavana on that day, so no celebration for me.
Amy Jackson
Women’s Day is a day of celebration for women across the globe, no matter what race or religion they belong to. I feel we should unite together as friends and make the world stop and see that we are fearless and strong and that we will fight for what we believe in.