Actor Mallika Sherawat is currently in the news for her role in the latest Bollywood release, Vicky Vidya ka Woh Wala Video. As part of the promotions for the film, Mallika is talking to a lot of media outlets, and as always, she is refreshingly candid. In an interaction with Hauterrfly, Mallika discussed the hypocrisy of sections of the Indian cinema audience, the skewed way of showcasing sensuality, and a lot more. 

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“For a long time, women’s sexuality has been used to sell products. Soaps, cars, washing machines, refrigerators, everything,” pointed out Mallika, who spoke about an incident that happened when she was filming a song in the South. “To showcase my hotness, they suggested rotis would be cooked on my waist. Of course, I declined, but yeah, that is the mindset.”  

Mallika also spoke about the time when her words about the regressive mindset prevalent in India became a reason for a witch hunt of sorts against her. “We don’t mind erotica for the box-office. You watch my films, and abuse me too. People even went to the extent of burning effigies, etc… Of course, things have become more accommodating now, and the regressive thoughts are pushed to the background. But what I said then was the truth,” asserted Mallika, who said that the saddest part was being attacked by her contemporaries for her words. “They probably did that in the belief that attacking me would make them look good.” 

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She argued that the society continues to be regressive, and the proof is in the number of gang rapes, ‘honour’ killings, etc… “It is regressive, but we have to overcome,” said Mallika, and added that including men in the conversation is an important part of the solution. “India cannot realise its true potential till the women come out.”

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