Open Heart!

Women who have made their mark in various fields, tell MANASI Y MASTAKAR what Women’s Day means to them.

“I don't believe in women's day. I think it's rubbish that women are given only one day and I think you also shouldn't propagate it.”

– Farah Khan , noted Bollywood film director and choreographer. "Women's Day is a day to remind us that har aurat khaas hoti hai .”

– Meera Sanyal , politician and member of Aam Admi Party’s National Committee on Economic Policy and former CEO & chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland in India.

“Everyday is women's day for me. And celebrating one particular day as women's day only makes sense when every woman is empowered, educated and secure.”

– Shaina NC , noted fashion designer and social worker and National spokesperson for BJP.

“Women's day to my mind is simply that day of the year when many men and women, organisations and governments, remind themselves that there is so much gender inequality that needs to be tackled in so many countries all over the world, that women still need to be treated as equal citizens. However fleetingly or even superficially, but at least people repeat this to themselves. As for the rest of the year - well, that's when we by our actions, thoughts and work, try to make this a reality.”

– Tanuja Chandra , noted film director and writer.

“In the present scenario we need a Woman's Month or year, a day won't do it. Till women are treated like second grade citizens across the country, woman's day is mere tokenism in the cities.”

– Tisca Chopra , renowned film, television actress and theatre personality.

“For me women's day is no different than any other day. I celebrate myself everyday, hence everyday is women's day for me. Everyone today is living in such a negative space. I don't believe in living that way. I believe in seizing the day. So everyday is a woman's day for me.

– Shonali Sabherwal , author and celebrity macrobiotic nutritionist and

owns the brand Soulfood.

“Everyday is a day to be celebrated and lived with great joy. Being a woman I feel that woman should feel beautiful from within to physically manifest on the outside. As a model and actor I try to complete the sense of womanhood by practicing karate and being a champion and feeling beautiful intelligent and strong. Let's feel free and safe and start this awareness of being strong by learning any form of self defence is a strong message I would like to convey. Love live and smile.”

– Sandhya Shetty , model, actor and karate champion.

“Women's Day is a celebration of womanhood. A woman is a pillar of love, respect and unconditional acceptance. For me, Women's Day is a reminder for all people, who tend to ignore their mothers, sisters, wife and a chance to express their love for her. It’s also for all women to awaken and think about themselves. It’s for all the women to speak their mind, take decisions and stand for their rights. Every woman should start and ask for equal respect, love and also attention. After being a developing country, women in India still suffer in remote areas and its time that even men should start respecting women. Just wish this Women's Day bring more spark to women!”

– Alka Yagnik , noted Bollywood singer.