Mallika Sherawat laments rape, honour killings in India

Actor pulls no punches about women's safety in resurfaced interview

The recent news of the Kolkata rape case in India has caused an uproar all over the world. While many demand justice and accountability for Moumita Debnath, a trainee doctor who was allegedly gang-raped at her university, the harrowing incident has sparked many netizens to unearth footages relevant to the cause.

One such video clip that has gained attention of many people is a 10-year-old snippet of a Press Conference featuring Bollywood actor Mallika Sherawat. As per the clip, the Dirty Politics actor can be seen being quizzed by a reporter on her previous declaration that India is an unsafe country.

However, Sherawat is quick to clap back with, "I said India is an unsafe country for women." The actor schools the reporter on how anyone can be expected to deny the reality of India's rising rape incidents merely to save the country's face on the global stage. "They are hypocrites - who do one thing and show the opposite. When I am questioned about the rapes and honour killings of women in society, do you expect me to say no?"

Upon the reporter's false attempts to regain her argument, Sherawat continues, "When an interviewer questions me about gang-rapes, which form the headlines of the New York Times and Washington Post, what do I say? Should I lie about the state of women in our country while being a woman?"

The actor further addresses the audience, beckoning them to provide counter arguments to her truth. While the crowd joins in a slight applause, the actor demands the women present to speak up:"Should I have stayed quiet like every other woman? Should I let what's happening to women continue?"

Sherawat goes on to share astonishing statistics of the Haryana female feticide, where female gods are worshiped but fetuses are killed in the womb. As she stresses the hypocritical nature of the press who hold her responsible for ruining India's image, the actor propels the audience to justify accusations placed on her.