Close X
Saturday, November 2, 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

Kapil Sharma Forced To Cancel Shoot After Boycott By Team, Bollywood Celebs?

The Kapil Sharma Show is in serious trouble as its Wednesday shoot was cancelled after Sunil Grover, Chandan Prabhakar and others boycotted it for the third consecutive day. Now, reports say Ali Asgar has joined a new show.

Kapil Sharma Forced To Cancel Shoot After Boycott By Team, Bollywood Celebs?

Yogi Adityanath Should Do 'Gas-releasing' Asana: Twinkle Khanna

Yogi Adityanath Should Do 'Gas-releasing' Asana: Twinkle Khanna
Taking a dig at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his rather off-the-cuff remarks on "women's protection", author-columnist Twinkle Khanna on Friday suggested that he needed to do a yoga 'asana' which eases "releasing gas".

Yogi Adityanath Should Do 'Gas-releasing' Asana: Twinkle Khanna

Past With Kareena Is World Secret, Quips Shahid

Happily married to Mira, and loving his new real life role as a father, actor Shahid Kapoor chose to "get back" when asked about his "secret past" with actress Kareena Kapoor Khan here on Friday.

Past With Kareena Is World Secret, Quips Shahid

Deepika Not Planning To Leave Bollywood For Hollywood

Deepika Not Planning To Leave Bollywood For Hollywood
Actress Deepika Padukone, who made her debut in Hollywood with "xXx: Return of Xander Cage" this year, says working in the West is an extension of her creativity and talent, adding that she will never forget her roots.

Deepika Not Planning To Leave Bollywood For Hollywood

Quantico: Priyanka Chopra Welcomes Jon Kortajarena Aboard. See Pics

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra has welcomed Jon Kortajarena, a Basque model-actor, to the cast of her American drama series "Quantico".

Quantico: Priyanka Chopra Welcomes Jon Kortajarena Aboard. See Pics

People Who Wanted Me To Slash Rates, Now Offer Double Price: Taapsee Pannu

People Who Wanted Me To Slash Rates, Now Offer Double Price: Taapsee Pannu
When doing the quintessential heroine roles didn't work in her favour, Taapsee Pannu decided to turn the tables with heroic characters in content-driven films.

People Who Wanted Me To Slash Rates, Now Offer Double Price: Taapsee Pannu