‘I will always speak up, I am not a bimbo’
boyfriends.
I will always speak up. I am not a bimbo. When you use that word, it reflects on you, not me. Let’s loosen up guys. Let’s be witty; let’s engage, let’s agree to disagree; let’s cut out the abuse.
I think social media is a very effective tool. I’ve got endorsement deals because of my online presence, it helps me promote the charities I support and I’ve run amazing campaigns for my films, such as Neerja.
People think we don’t have brains because we dress up and look beautiful. Thankfully, I’m comfortable in my skin and in my head. I grew up learning Kathak and love to dance. I’m a student of Indian history and have walked into adulthood being proud of what
India stands for. Think of all the beautiful movies that were made post-Independence when there was a sense of jubilation.
Back then, people were not afraid to question. They were unafraid of having an opinion and we weren’t a country where you had to be politically correct. Now, you pounce on us when we criticise the government. Why can’t I criticise the government? Isn’t that what democracy is all about. It doesn’t matter whether I’ve voted for Narendra Modi or not. Either way, we have a right to ask questions.
I’m a proud Indian. I love my country but for some of you — and you’re the bigots, not me — I become ‘anti-national’ only because I ask questions or choose to be critical. Listen to the national anthem one more time.
Recall the line you heard as kids, ‘Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Issai…’
I’m a practising Hindu, but my best friends are Muslims and I’m not giving them sermons on why being a Hindu is something better. Nor, for that matter, are they. By the way, I am a strict vegetarian. I don’t even eat eggs but I don’t have a problem with what anyone else eats. How can you choose for anyone else? How can you take freedom of choice — a fundamental right — away from anyone else?
The truth is, in public life, we do end up being role models. I have 10 million followers on Twitter and even if 10% of those are trolls, that’s still nine million people that I feel accountable to. I owe them an opinion, a peek into my mind, and that’s why I speak up. It is important to take sides and I do so without fear. Not taking a position is cowardice.
I admit that there have been times when I have reacted to the abuse that comes my way. Yes, I’ve fallen for the bait, but I have also apologised. I responded when author Shobhaa De said, “[Sonam Kapoor] doesn’t cut it in the sex appeal stakes.’’ My parents made me realise I was wrong to have hit out at her, saying, “60 something porn writer.” I’m glad that my father, Anil Kapoor, has helped me to focus on the glass half full. I’m glad he showed me the mirror.
Sensitivity is an important trait when you’re on social media. I’ve learnt to be a moderate. I’ve learnt also to try and engage with those who are critical so I don’t build walls around myself, but dear trolls, you need to be more intelligent. It’s easy for me to block and report you and I’ve done that liberally, but I’m also capable of forgiveness, for you know not what you do. Try and get out of your bigoted mindset. Else, you’re nothing but illiterate, uneducated extremists. Sincerely, A proud naachne-waali