Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
Bollywood

You Can Call Me A Bimbo & A Naachne Waali But But I Will Always Speak Up: Sonam Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor, 21 Apr, 2017 02:19 PM
  • You Can Call Me A Bimbo & A Naachne Waali But But I Will Always Speak Up: Sonam Kapoor
Let’s get straight to the point. You might call me a ‘bimbo’, a ‘naachne wali’, but you know what, I’m a terribly self-assured woman. I have a strong sense of self and I don’t need you to tell me who I am. I would not have the balls to do what I do, wear what I wear or say what I say, if I didn’t have self-worth.
 
Each one of us should cherish who we are.
 
The trolls can be sexist and judgmental but I know I’m smart and capable of expressing an opinion. I’m a successful woman, a feminist, a humanist, a national award winner and I say this with a great sense of pride and satisfaction: I get to live a fairy tale life every single day. I walk the international stage, I’m an avid reader with a library full of books, I am a consumer of news, an engaged Indian and so very capable of having a discussion on any issue, with anyone. Just because I’m an actor, it doesn’t mean I can’t have an opinion.
 
I’ve spoken up often. I spoke up when the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film, Padmavati, were vandalised. I have spoken up against meat bans. I’ve taken sides with my colleagues and spoken up when Sonakshi Sinha was fat-shamed or Anushka Sharma, an amazingly talented actress, was picked on only because people think they have the right to comment on our sizes or our boyfriends.
 
 
I will always speak up. I am not a bimbo. When you use that word, it reflects on you, not me. Let’s loosen up guys. Let’s be witty; let’s engage, let’s agree to disagree; let’s cut out the abuse.
 
 
I think social media is a very effective tool. I’ve got endorsements because of my online presence, it helps me promote the charities I support and I’ve run amazing campaigns for my films, such as Neerja.
 
People think we don’t have brains because we dress up and look beautiful. Thankfully, I’m comfortable under my skin and in my head. I grew up learning Kathak and love to dance. I’m a student of Indian history and have walked into adulthood being proud of what India stands for. Think of all the beautiful movies that were made post-Independence when there was a sense of jubilation.
 
Back then, people were not afraid to question. They were unafraid of having an opinion and we weren’t a nation where you had to be politically correct. Now, you pounce on us when we criticise the government. Why can’t I criticise the government? Isn’t that what democracy is all about. It doesn’t matter whether I’ve voted for Narendra Modi or not. Either way, we have a right to ask questions.
 
 
I’m a proud Indian. I love my country but for some of you — and you’re the bigots, not me — I become ‘anti-national’ only because I ask questions or choose to be critical. Listen to the national anthem one more time. Recall the line you heard as kids, ‘Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Issai…’
 
I’m a practising Hindu but my best friends are Muslims and I’m not giving them sermons on why being a Hindu is something better. Nor, for that matter are they. By the way, I am a strict vegetarian. I don’t even eat eggs but I don’t have a problem with what anyone else eats. How can you choose for anyone else? How can you take freedom of choice — a fundamental right — away from anyone else?
 
The truth is, in public life, we do end up being role models. I have 10 million followers on Twitter and even if 10% of those are trolls, that’s still nine million people that I feel accountable to. I owe them an opinion, a peek into my mind, and that’s why I speak up. It is important to take sides and I do so without fear. Not taking a position is cowardice.
 
 
I admit that there have been times when I have reacted to the abuse that comes my way. Yes, I’ve fallen for the bait but have also apologised. I responded when author Shobhaa De said, “(Sonam Kapoor) doesn’t cut it in the sex appeal stakes.’’ My parents made me realise I was wrong to have hit out at her, saying, “60 something porn writer.” I’m glad that my father, Anil Kapoor, has helped me to focus on the glass half full. I’m glad he showed me the mirror.
 
Sensitivity is an important trait when you’re on social media. I’ve learnt to be a moderate. I’ve learnt also to try and engage with those who are critical so I don’t build walls around myself, but dear trolls, you need to be more intelligent. It’s easy for me to block and report you and I’ve done that liberally, but I’m also capable of forgiveness, for you know not what you do. Try and get out of your bigoted mindset. Else, you’re nothing but illiterate, uneducated extremists.
 
Sincerely,
 
A proud naachne-waali
 
PS: You should also try some naach-gaana. Mazaa aata hai, dil khush rehta hai aur dimaag thanda.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

Swara Bhaskar Spent Time With Granny On 29th Birthday

Swara Bhaskar Spent Time With Granny On 29th Birthday
Actress Swara Bhaskar, who has turned 29, says she spent her special day with her ailing maternal grandmother who is admitted to a hospital here.

Swara Bhaskar Spent Time With Granny On 29th Birthday

Break Free From Stereotypes: Neha Dhupia Tells Women

Actress Neha Dhupia has starred in a new video, urging women to break free from all the stereotypes and follow their dreams.

Break Free From Stereotypes: Neha Dhupia Tells Women

Mel B's Make-Up Artist Covered Her Bruises For Years

Mel B's Make-Up Artist Covered Her Bruises For Years
Singer Mel B's make-up artist has come forward to support her and claims he knew about her estranged husband Stephen Belafonte's violent behaviour as he has been concealing her bruises for years.

Mel B's Make-Up Artist Covered Her Bruises For Years

Rishi Kapoor Abused On Twitter After A Tweet On India-Pakistan Relations

Rishi Kapoor Abused On Twitter After A Tweet On India-Pakistan Relations
Actor Rishi Kapoor is known for being politically incorrect on Twitter. He doesn't mince words and has often complained that Twitter doesn't get his wisecracks. In the past, the 64-year-old has been accused of being abusive on Twitter, even to women.

Rishi Kapoor Abused On Twitter After A Tweet On India-Pakistan Relations

Remember Tabu's Sister Farah? 'If Only She'd Been Professional,' Laments Rishi Kapoor

Remember Tabu's Sister Farah? 'If Only She'd Been Professional,' Laments Rishi Kapoor
Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor feels actress Farah Naaz would have been a big name in the entertainment industry, but says it would have happened only if she was professional.

Remember Tabu's Sister Farah? 'If Only She'd Been Professional,' Laments Rishi Kapoor

Wouldn't Have Been Able To Handle Stardom Today: Asha Parekh

She earned the epithet of Bollywood's "jubilee girl" with her string of hits in the Hindi film industry's golden era. But living that stardom in today's paparazzi-driven times is something the enigmatic Asha Parekh doesn't fancy at all.

Wouldn't Have Been Able To Handle Stardom Today: Asha Parekh