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'I wish our movies wouldn't objectify women'
On the eve of Women's Day, we spoke to some ladies from the film industry and asked them how they would like to celebrate women, and which women inspire them. Here's what they said:
Men and women are different. I'm not saying better or worse but different. And this difference needs to be celebrated.
Women must be placed at the centre of development because empowerment of women is the true yardstick of a nation's progress. Being a woman, for me, is essentially mastering the art of multitasking, being a care-giver to parents, kids and spouse, paying attention to detail, lubricating the mundaneness of everyday living.
But above all, being a woman means being informed by my gender and playing the game differently and negotiating more space for all women.
The woman I admire most is my mother Shaukat Kaifi, who has been a wonderful wife, mother housekeeper but most importantly, her own person and a noted theatre actor. She found the perfect balance. I find inspiration from my bai (domestic help), who washes our dishes so her daughters can go to an English school, from women who work in the fields and factories. More power to women.
Khushboo
I don't celebrate Women's Day, as I celebrate being a woman everyday.
We need to bring the change in our mindsets rather than in society because we are the architects of our social order.
Do I want changes? I am quite content with my space at home and work.
I am not inspired by any woman but I have the highest regard for Hema aunty (Hema Malini).
The one woman has made a difference in my life was Mrs Ubin Fernandez. She was my hairdresser, guide, guardian, mother, friend. I lost her to cancer last December. She had been with me for 28 years from the time I became a leading lady in 1984.
Neetu Chandra
Being a women per se is a complete high.
For me, being a woman is about the right mixture of strength and passion. Just being a woman makes me feel complete. I'm sure many women would agree with me on that.
This Women's Day, there's nothing that I want changed. I take life as it comes and suggest all women do the same. It makes life easier.
Which woman inspires me? Every woman who stands on her own feet and keeps a right balance between her professional and personal life is my inspiration.
Aditi Rao Hydari
Being a woman means turning every negative into a positive, loving and caring and living life with grace dignity and mustering a great inner strength in the toughest and gentlest of circumstances. In most societies, women are taught to hide their inherent sensuality, grace and beauty.
Every woman must be allowed to be herself.
Speaking for cinema, I wish our movies wouldn't objectify women. There's so much more to being a woman.
I'm inspired by any woman who has worked with passion and lived with grace. There are so many unsung women who do that everyday. They are my heroes.
Pooja Bedi
Being a woman is the most complete experience. We embody and express naturally the qualities of nurturing and empathy, gentlesness and compassion and an incredible inner strength. We are Laxmi, Saraswati, Parvati, Durga and Kali.
On this Women's Day, I see no need for change, as I feel I possess a great yin and yang balance.
Professionally, I'd like to do another talk show to inspire women to live their lives to their full potential and remove all biases and unhealthy conformities. I also want to create more awareness about female foeticide and gender bias.
The woman I find most inspiring? Angelina Jolie. She lives life to the fullest, fearlessly, looks fabulous, is hugely successful and does a lot of humanitarian work.
Alisha Chinai
Changes in my life? None! I love the male side of my personality. And the soft feminine side helps me get away with murder.
The women who inspire me? Sonia Gandhi, Eva Peron and Madonna.