Ironically even in this day and age, feminism is considered a bad world. It is one of the most misunderstood terms, for sure, with most men and women presuming it to be a strident, shrieking, man-hating way of thinking.

That couldn’t be further from the truth and we are so glad feminism has got a supporter in the simply awesome Priyanka Chopra. Currently wowing the West with her acting chops, her confidence, her skills, her strength, this is one woman who is proud to call herself a feminist.

In an interview to a leading publication, the actress said, “I see so many girlfriends of mine who are like, ‘No I’m not that much of a feminist.’ I don’t even understand that… The need for feminism was created because there were no rights for women. That’s why there is not a man-ism, because they always had it.”

As Priyanka, set the record straight on feminism which has become something of a four-letter word for many, she maintained that feminism simply means women enjoying the same freedom that men have had for centuries. “Feminism is just saying give me opportunities without judging me for the decisions that I make, the same freedom that men have enjoyed for so many centuries.”

In the past we have had Vidya Balan too explain her take on feminism. “If by feminist, you mean somebody who values herself, her body, her space, her choices or the right to her choices, yes I am a feminist. But I am definitely not a man-hater. Because a lot of people equate feminism with that and that's very disturbing. Yes, you are challenging the status quo by wanting to assert yourself, your individuality and your individual space. I am at the centre of my universe and I happen to be a woman. I don't feel any lesser than anyone else and I won't settle for anything lesser. I won't settle for anything but the best.”

…And that quality embodies the true spirit of feminism, we would say. It’s all about having equal choice. Like Katrina Kaif, who explained that yes, she would give up her career for a man she loved – if she absolutely wanted to. “I will not be forced or coerced into it. If that is what I feel, then absolutely, yes. If I feel my heart should be at home and raise children, absolutely, yes. I believe that every woman should follow her instinct… But if you ask me personally, then I would like to choose both.” Rah! Rah!