The actor shuns gender stereotypes about boys not being 'real' men if they cry. PHOTO: MOXIEMEDIA
Bollywood megastar Aamir Khan, who was a featured guest at the sixth annual 'Women in the World' summit in New York, talked about rape and the definition of masculinity in India.
"Rape is a big issue in India," he said in a session titled Tackling India's Taboos while in conversation with Iraqi-American humanitarian Zainab Salbi, who founded 'Women for Women International'. He said a rape survivor is often ill-treated by police and medical staff and does not get swift justice.
The audience applauded the actor as he spoke about the change needed in India to bring about a positive outcome. "The balance of power in India needs to change. Unless conviction becomes swift and certain, things are not going to change in India. And very, very importantly, as a society we have to shun the rapist and hold the survivor close," he said.
PHOTO: HUFFINGTON POSTDelhi’s rape case documentary, India’s Daughter was not well received by the Indian government and has been banned in the country. Although he has not yet seen the film, the actor believes it is highly unfortunate that the film will not be allowed for public viewing because there should be freedom of speech.
"In the five years I've researched subjects for my show, I've seen both the worst and most beautiful of mankind," Aamir revealed to Zainab. "I quickly realized I should stick to what I know best, which is storytelling."
PHOTO: NBCNEWSHe makes use of his career to make hard-hitting films which bring taboo topics to the surface and leave the audience pondering. His films such as 3 idiots, PK and Taare Zameen Par were stories which left people dumbfounded and questioning many things. Since he launched Satyamev Jayate (a show which focuses on sensitive social issues prevalent in India such as female feticide, child sexual abuse, rape, etc.) Aamir has been actively initiating social change in India.
"I wanted to combine the goodwill that I've earned from my acting career with investigative journalism," shared Aamir at the event. "There are two ways to bring about change," he continued. "One is by making laws or policies and expecting people to follow them. The other way is a longer route but it's an attempt to transform hearts and minds at a young age."
PHOTO:NDTVIMGHe took the opportunity to ask an important question that Vogue Empower proposed with their Larkay Nahi Rotay (Boys Don’t Cry) social ad. "Is a real man someone who goes and beats up people, is a real man a person who is the protector...? Unless we re-look at and hopefully re-define what a man is, things are not going to change," stated the actor.
He stressed on the need to make children gender sensitized from an early age, especially boys so that if boys want to cry they shouldn’t feel the need to suppress it because of society. He added that the "real man" in India is defined by one who does not cry, or hold his wife’s hand or hug his children. "Based on all of these definitions of what a real man is, I'm completely not a real man because I hold my wife's hand all the time, hug my children and I cry all the time," the actor said.
PHOTO: TBMWOMENINTHEWORLDThe event was also attended by Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep, talk show host Jon Stewart and designer Diane von Furstenberg
Fan moment!Met #MerylStreep! Went with @aamir_khan to The Women in the World Summit in New York last night. @Shaziaqg pic.twitter.com/8o7hkAuFOd
— Avinash Gowariker (@avigowariker) April 23, 2015
PHOTO: NBCNEWS
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