There is so much talk about taking strin gent measures to fight crime against women, but even women in powerful positions have to face sexist remarks today. At a recent debate on national TV on the rape case of a young Mumbai physiotherapist, politician Al Nasser Zakaria made demeaning remarks against Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis' wife Amruta Fadnavis, criticizing the outfit she wore in the video of a music album featuring her and superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Not one to take things lying down, Amruta gives a befitting reply to her detractors....

When you heard about the sexist remarks, what was your first reaction?
I was appalled! The debate was about a rape case, which is the result of a pervert mind and its dirty thoughts. It has nothing to do with what you are wearing or not wearing.

Earlier, it was President Pranab Mukherjee's daughter, who was harassed by a pervert on social media, and now, you have been made the butt of obscene remarks on national TV.  How safe are women of India in such a scenario?
I have done full justice to my role as a woman, mother, wife, banker and social activist and nobody can question my integrity. Every woman out there has a right to lead her life with dignity. I would request them to not let such sexist remarks steal their dreams or smiles.

Would this criticism deter you from wearing short dresses in public?
I did what I felt was right at that time. It was done at a non-political platform and it was a personal and professional choice. Nobody has a right to question my personal choice. In future too, I would not care about people who stoop so low.

But there are many women out there, who give up their dressing style, career or lifestyle when someone mocks them or makes cheap remarks...
I want to tell them - listen to your heart. If you feel you are in the right, don't give up your dreams for anyone. People also have to support them and women have to stand by women, just like the Times Now anchor did. She made Zakaria quit the debate and leave the premises when he refused to apologise.