Women must live with pride and not worry, says emotional Mallika

Actress Mallika Sherawat says she hopes to see a world where every woman is free from fear and lives “unshackled”.A day after the Supreme Court reaffirmed the death sentence in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, Mallika took to Twitter to share an emotional post about the ordeal women face in society.Referring to the victim, a 22-year-old physiotherapy intern, Mallika wrote: “She had worked hard to free herself from the shackles of the rules that society often slots for its women. Her parents supported her every step of the way. But those who violated her questioned her morals, questioned her right to be out at night.“Some even, post her trauma, dared to say she deserves it. Complete closure for her family might have to wait till those barbarians are hanged, but Nirbhaya’s soul is free today.”The actress, a women’s rights activist, also talked of an incident in which 26 girls were saved from being trafficked.Mallika, who comes from Haryana — which once had the lowest female child ratio — entered the film industry much to the dismay of her family members.She says it was running away from home that gave her courage.“Stifled in a patriarchal family, I neither had freedom nor choice. I faced innumerable hardships because I dared to question and challenge the status quo. When I got a chance, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me and I survived. Today I stand on my own two feet and I decide how I live my life,” added the actress who has featured in films like Murder, Khwahish, Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Welcome and Hisss.The journey hasn’t been easy as she was called “enough names and treated in myriad ways.” Women across the world are “buried under societal pressure, scared of the consequences, subjugated and constantly violated”, and are wanting to be free.For Mallika, it’s a changed story today.She says she wants to help end women’s subjugation.“Every young girl, every woman has dreams. Every woman who is empowered can empower another... I want to free every girl from fear.... Let us fight to create a society where women live with pride and not with worry. Let us battle the odds to build a world where girls and women live unshackled.” – IANSEach day brings new challenges, victories says Sonali BendreActress-writer Sonali Bendre Behl, who has been diagnosed with a “high-grade cancer” and is undergoing treatment in New York, says every day brings both challenges and victories and the only thing that she wants to focus on is “positive” outlook.In a Twitter post on Tuesday, Sonali shared a photograph in which she is seen sporting short hair. She expressed gratitude to all her friends, fans and family members for the love and support that has come her way since she revealed her battle with cancer.“In the words of my favourite author Isabel Allende, ‘We don’t even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward. In times of tragedy, of war, of necessity, people do amazing things. The human capacity for survival and renewal is awesome’.” Sonali said the “outpouring of love” she has received in the last few days has been “overwhelming”.“I’m especially grateful to those of you who shared stories of their experiences in dealing with cancer, whether it was your own or the loved ones. Your stories have given me an extra dosage of strength and courage and more importantly, the knowledge that I am not alone,” she said. On how she is dealing with the change, she said: “Each day comes with its own challenges and victories and so for now I am taking this one day at a time. “The only thing I am trying to be consitent about is maintaining a positive outlook... Literally, switch on the sunshine — it’s my way of dealing with this. Sharing my journey is also part of this process... I can only hope it reminds you that all is not lost and that someone, somewhere understands what you are going through.”Her health condition forced her to step down as the judge of a reality TV show India’s Best Dramebaaz. Actress Huma Qureshi has stepped into her shoes.Sonali is married to producer Goldie Behl. They have one son Ranveer together. – IANSAccolades make artistes feel worthwhile: Anuradha PaudwalVeteren singer Anuradha Paudwal, who was felicitated at Britain’s House of Commons for her contribution to music and charitable initiatives, says awards and accolades are an acknowledgement of artistes’ struggles.“Music is my lifeline and when adulation and respect come from unexpected quarters, that too an invitation to be acknowledged in the historic and prestigious eight-decade old House of Commons, it does feel great,” Anuradha said in a statement to IANS.“I sing for those who love music. And the love, warmth and reciprocation makes me feel honoured and respected. It is these moments that make us artistes feel that our struggle was well worth its while,” added the National Award-winning singer who has sung in Bollywood movies like Aashiqui, Ram Lakhan, Saajan and Dil, besides having an array of devotional songs to her credit.As of now, she is on a tour to the UK and Australia.“I am awaiting my next destinations — Sri Lanka and the US. The tour is with Kumar Sanu with whom I share great respect and rapport,” she said.On the music front, she says “there is a very interesting devotional project on Adi Shankaracharya’s works”.“It is still in its formative stage but it is an amazingly fulfilling musical tribute,” said Anuradha.She also wants to give back to society.“I support martyrs’ families, aid villages which lack basic infrastructure and do my little bit.” – IANS