An attempt to define Indian Feminism

Feminism, as per dictionary.com, is equal opportunities to both men and women. But often, this definition is reduced to male bashing and disempowerment of their rights. And, Feminist Rani (published by Penguin in collaboration SheThePeople.TV), make an honest attempt to capture voices of feminists. Feminist Rani by Shaili Chopra and Meghna Pant is a record of conversations with fourteen modern men, women, and a transgender. It doesn’t complicate the concept of feminist. Instead, it gives layers to its meaning with each of these celebrities adding a colour with their life story. For them, feminism is not a choice but a way of life.

Kalki Koelchin to Gauri Sawant, the range of dialogue, discussion and dissent is vast and deep. The most popular version of feminism is humanity and defying the mind-numbing rules that serve no purpose but demean women and their desires.

While Kalki did not want to be boxed into any role in Bollywood and enjoyed the variety of roles she performed, Gul Panag challenges herself by setting goals—from a woman pilot to a mountaineer to a business woman, Gul has caught a bouquet of stars and is grateful to her two pillars of strength: her father and her husband. Tanmay’s weight issues and Aditi Mittal’s foray into the world of comedy is a a refreshing layer but what really stir your soul are the conversations by Gauri Sawant (who was once Ganesh Sawant), Areefa Johri (who has raised a petition against “Khatna” – female genital mutilation), and Rana Ayyub, who wrote against the 2002 riots: they truly have faced oppression, bent the rules and are living life on their terms, unabashedly.

History is kind to those who have fought and challenged prejudices, Rana Ayyub says. And, I hope that their path is filled with rose petals of kindness and empathy.