Gauahar: I’ve never done songs that objectify women

Model-turned-actor Gauahar Khan is credited with a number of item songs including hits such as Chokra Jawaan and Jhalla Wallah. But, says she’s particular about her choice of songs, and stays clear of lyrics that are derogatory for women in any sense.

“I have never done songs that objectify women. My songs are entertainment based. I’m very careful about what I choose, and refuse many songs (that come to me) because of their lyrics and what they are trying to say,” says Gauahar.

In the contemporary times of #MeToo, when people are opposing lyrics that objectify women, Gauahar opposes that everything is “being dragged into this movement”. She says, “As an artist, you always have the choice of what you want to be associated with, and I think that is a responsibility of every artist,” she adds.

The #MeToo movement has taken a toll on quite a few Bollywood projects as many names from the industry embroiled in controversies either stepping down or being asked to leave.

Gauahar is “happy” that people are calling out perpetrators, but feels there are many who might misuse the controversy. She opines that “One must also have the ability to fight it on a personal level. One must be empowered enough to fight against things that are wrong. Whether you are a man or a woman, you must have the ability to speak up! I am happy that people are speaking up, but there are also times that it’s taken in the wrong light. One must also try and stop it, right when it happens. That gives out a very strong message.” ■ juhi.chakraborty@htlive.com

Actor Gauahar Khan is careful about her choice of item songs