Farhan Akhtar was the inauguration of an outlet of the brand he endorses, but since you cannot speak endlessly about style statements and the superiority of linen, the questions turned to other issues, such as whether women are always victims. “I don't think that would be true from existing records or information out there on public domain. I do believe that, more often than not, it is the woman, who is harassed but it doesn't mean all the time.”
Yes, we do get where this is coming from. The actor, who was last seen in Lucknow Central, had recently penned an open letter in favour of his friend Hrithik Roshan in the Roshan vs Ranaut battle of words. He had made this point precisely in the letter as well, stating, “Like anyone who has an iota of objectivity and sense of fairness, I too agree that in our society, more often than not, it is the woman who suffers injustice and repression. It is horrifying but true that in some cases of rape, a section of society has blamed the victim.I have always found this to be unacceptable.”
He added that four years ago, he had founded MARD (Men Against Rape & Discrimination) and through the initiative, he had been vocal in his fight against gender related violence and in highlighting cases of discrimination against women and the LGBTI community.
“Although it is true that in most cases it is a woman that has been wronged, there is a difference between ‘most’ and ‘all’,” he pointed out. “How ever few and rare they may be, there have been cases where men have been stalked, harassed and falsely accused. This reality has been accepted by the highest courts of our land. It is in this spirit of objectivity and fairness that today I must speak up… Let’s not discriminate.”
What are the odds of Farhan starting a new initiative – ‘Men Against Stalking & Harassment’?! His male buddies would surely sign up immediately!