Aishwarya Rai is one of those many A-listers from Bollywood who carefully stay away from controversial subjects or societal taboos, even when everyone else puts them up for discussion on the table.
Except for her initial years in B-town and the post-Salman episode, the actress and superstar hasn’t really involved herself in any conversation that may invite some unwanted attention in her direction.
Breaking the mold after a long time, the ‘Bride and Prejudice’ star has finally worded her opinion on the ongoing #MeToo debate and the rising number of voices against Bollywood’s hidden sexual predators.
A campaign that has been kick-started in India by actress Tanushree Dutta – after her allegations against Nana Patekar made national headlines, a vast number of women have come out with their #MeToo stories, detailing their own gruesome encounters with co-actors, producers and directors.
In a recent interview, Aishwarya too was quoted speaking on the subject:
“The #MeToo movement has gained momentum in present times. The world has got smaller with social media, one voice is becoming larger. What is nice to see in present time is that the members of the media are becoming allied and propelling voices that needs to be heard and giving them the platform. The law of the land will take over for justice to be served.”
Although Aish does not wish to side with anyone right now, as she prefers the law to take its own course (and rightfully so), the actress does insist that an open-minded environment needs to be created and sustained so more such survivors could come out and tell their stories to the world.
“It wouldn’t be right to specifically comment on individual cases as matters would be sub judice and that would not be responsible on our part but having said that, God bless and strength to the voices that need that kind of support and you all need to be there.”
Speaking as a long-time brand ambassador of L’Oreal Paris, she further added:
“We (L’Oreal Paris) have always been about women empowerment and we are very righteous. We will extend our support to anyone, appealing for support in whatever issues that need the attention.”
Good too see people from all sorts of background, finally breaking out from the shell, to put an end to the ‘vulture-culture’ and let every sexual-assault survivor be encouraged to out their perpetrators.