As Indians, Harvey Should Hardly Come As a Surprise: Richa Chadha

Richa Chadha pens her thoughts on the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Richa Chadha talks about sexual harassment and asks some much-needed questions. 

(Photo courtesy: AP/Twitter)

Richa Chadha has penned her thoughts on the Harvey Weinstein scandal and why that’s hardly surprising.

“For a country where violence against the girl child starts in the womb, I am surprised at the number of people surprised at the enormity of the #MeToo campaign,” she writes.

She also addressed those who victim-blame, or simply don’t give the issue of sexual harassment enough attention.

Dear all, don’t blame ‘Bollywood’. That is too simplistic a deduction. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi was traded as property in gambling and Goddess Sita was abducted by another man in the Ramayana, (assuming you think of mythology and history in the same way), which was before the advent of films. ‘Bollywood’ hasn’t invented rape, torture, stalking and assault. This also happens in countries where there is no film industry. ‘Bollywood’ is not blame-less either. Films reflect the reality of society and also shape popular culture. But my colleagues are taking charge of the narrative. Our content is evolving a little every year which is more than what I can say for most.

Richa Chadha, Actor

Rape is defined as ‘<i>izzat lootna</i>’ in Hindustani, or robbing one’s dignity. In whatever form one is assaulted, what do you think happens when prejudice like this exists in society - does it get easier or more difficult to report a gender crime?

Richa Chadha, Actor

Dear Fourth Estate, if you truly care, encourage and create a safe atmosphere where open discussion is possible, where people can share their experiences with dignity and without being judged. Please don’t jump on to a trending topic. For every woman who speaks up, there’s several that don’t or can’t. You’d be doing all of society a huge favour.

Richa Chadha, Actor

Dear legislative bodies, please check for rapists in your midst?

Richa Chadha, Actor

Dear Judiciary, marital rape is rape. And victims shouldn’t be asked to marry their rapists. Also, please hurry. A woman is raped every twenty minutes in this country, and that’s just those that have the courage and means to report the crime.

Richa Chadha, Actor

You can read her full blog here.

(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT to find #PollutionKaSolution. Send in your suggestions to [e-mail] or WhatsApp @ [phone])