Actor Mallika Sherawat is making headlines for her role in the latest Bollywood release, 'Vicky Vidya ka Woh Wala Video', starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri in lead roles. As part of the film's promotions, Mallika has been engaging with various media outlets, and true to her style, she remains refreshingly candid.
Mallika Sherawat on regressive mindset
In a recent interview with Hauterrfly, Mallika discussed the hypocrisy within parts of the Indian cinema audience, the skewed portrayal of sensuality, and much more.
“For a long time, women’s sexuality has been used to sell products. Soaps, cars, washing machines, refrigerators, everything,” Mallika pointed out, recalling an incident that occurred while filming a song in the South. "To showcase my hotness, they suggested rotis would be cooked on my waist. Of course, I declined, but yeah, that is the mindset."
She also spoke about the backlash she faced when she addressed the regressive mindset prevalent in India, which led to what she described as a "witch hunt" against her. “We don’t mind erotica for the box-office. You watch my films, and abuse me too. People even went to the extent of burning effigies, etc… Of course, things have become more accommodating now, and the regressive thoughts are pushed to the background. But what I said then was the truth,” Mallika asserted, adding that the most disheartening part was being attacked by her contemporaries for speaking out. “They probably did that in the belief that attacking me would make them look good.”
Mallika emphasized that regressive attitudes still exist, citing the ongoing occurrences of gang rapes and ‘honour’ killings as proof. “It is regressive, but we have to overcome,” she said, stressing that involving men in these conversations is essential. “India cannot realise its true potential till the women come out.”