Feminism is a way of life for Swara

Actor Swara Bhaskar doesn't get people who say they're not feminists

Actor Swara Bhaskar (right) has always been vocal about issues, especially the ones pertaining to women. The 29-year-old who has impressed fans and critics with films such as Nil Battey Sannata (2016), Anaarkali of Aarah (2017) and Listen...Ameya (2013)says that feminism is a way of life. “I am an unapologetic feminist. But I think it’s a misunderstood term. My question to those who say that they are not feminists, frankly, would be, ‘why not?’” she says.

Calling the movement positive and peaceful, Swara believes that it’s about getting equal rights, not just for women but also for men. “This notion that it is a movement to get more rights for women, than for men is a very unfortunate misunderstanding of what it actually is. I see it as a peaceful movement that has never created any wars or violence. So it should not be maligned for any reason,” says the actor.

Swara feels angry that many people try to advocate feminism, when they actually don’t understand what it means. “I think a true feminist won’t be one who says women are the real victims or use a false case against a man. To me, a woman who is taking advantage of one Article or a law is not a true feminist. A real one will never victimise a man by using a fake case,” adds Swara, who will next be acting in a film, alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonam Kapoor.

Feminism, she feels, is the reason why most women today are able to chart professional paths for themselves. “It’s the reason we have the right to vote and we have equal pay for equal work or even if it means we are discussing it. It’s the reason why so many women are able to get paid maternity leave,” she says.

Feminism should not be maligned for any reason. It is a peaceful movement that has never created violence SWARA BHASKAR, ACTOR