Celebs talk about movies on the issue of gender divide that have touched them

Mona 

There is nothing permanent except change, said Heraclitus. And, one change that we desperately want to see is that girls getting to realise their full potential. 

Sadly, gender-based discrimination still exists, and the way forward is to first accept the ground reality and then work towards the change. This International Day of the Girl Child, celebs talk about the films that brought to the fore the issue of gender divide and touched them deeply!

Right to speak up: Tanya Abrol

Chak De! India has been Tanya Abrol’s favourite women-centric movie. Tanya, aka Balbir Kaur of the sports drama, says, “Being a part of the Chak De! journey has been inspiring and life-changing for me in ways more than one. Balbir has also been an inspiration to other women as she strongly advocates that everyone has the right to speak up irrespective of gender. I absolutely love how every female in the movie has a different story and a different demon to tackle. It holds a special place in my heart.”

Natural balance: Arslan Goni 

Arslan Goni loves Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women. “Matrubhoomi revolves around female foeticide and female infanticide and how a village is populated by only men. The film effectively puts that women are equal to men when it comes to maintaining a balance in nature, and the world might come to an end without them.”

Rani’s way: Akshay Mhatre

Rani Mukherjee-starrer Mardaani figures among the top favourites of actor Akshay Mhatre. “I  love Mardaani. I have watched both the movies and they give me the goose-bumps. Rani Mukherjee has played her role as an inspector exceptionally well. Women are doing exceedingly well in all areas of life. In fact, they are the stronger gender that can multi-task and take care of people along with managing career,” says Akshay.

Fulfilling promise: Naaz Joshi

Naaz Joshi, one of India’s first international trans beauty queens, routes for Tamanna. “My favourite movie is Tamanna featuring Paresh Rawal as trans and Pooja Bhatt as his daughter. It’s my favourite because I am a trans woman, who found love in my girl child. I had promised on the stage of Miss World Diversity that if I win the title, I will do something for girl children. I adopted my child when she was just 15 days old and today she is three.”

Battle-ready: Delnaaz Irani

Delnaaz Irani counts Lajja as one befitting film for the Day. “Lajja beautifully and powerfully shows how these shy, coy girls fight their own battles and turn to strong, independent women,” says Delnaaz, who specially liked how the different characters were names after Sita – Ramdulari, Vaidehi, Janki and Maithili. “I still watch it time to time as a reminder of what women can be!”

Don’t we all?