‘GENDER SHOULD NOT BE USED TO DISCRIMINATE’

Says actor Parineeti Chopra; talks about civic duties, work, gender bias and more

While Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra has been appointed as the face of Haryana Government’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, other actors like Shruti Seth and Neha Dhupia had slammed Prime Minister Narendera Modi recently for his support to ‘selfie with daughters’, saying that such acts may not bear tangible results.

But Parineeti feels it’s wrong to blame the PM for everything. “I feel, the current PM is the most forwardthinking and modern PM we have had. And he is showing us the way. Instead of slamming him, we need to follow the direction he’s showing us. He didn’t elect himself, we elected him. It’s wrong to slam the PM for everything. He can’t change things overnight or all alone. Illiteracy may not end in two days, but if we support him, we will have things the way we want in 10 years. At least it’s a start, 20 years ago there was nothing. So, when people say, ‘Oh here is a problem or that’s wrong’, it’s not done. As citizens, we have civic duties,” she says.

The 26-yearold also feels that it is unfair to discriminate on gender basis. “One could be a girl or a boy or belong to the third gender, but that should not be used to discriminate. Why can’t we just be human beings pursuing our choices?” says the actor, hoping that the industry inspires the nation to be more accommodating. “In my three-year-long career, I was never told I can’t do something because I am a girl. There is pay disparity, but that’s also changing,” says the actor.

“When I was new in the industry, everybody was like, ‘she is Priyanka Chopra’s sister’. Because my sister had proved herself and is a superstar, it was natural. But I am happy that they don’t compare us now, that I’ve carved an identity of my own. Being a star sibling won’t get you work. Talent will. And I am glad I am being recognised for my work,” says the National Award-winning actor.

PHOTO: DABBOO RATNANI