Considering OTT release for her short film Natkhat, Vidya Balan says such movies are the first step to change mindsets, in the wake of Bois Locker Room scandal
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 14, 2020)

"The Boys Locker Room controversy has again brought forth the deep-rooted patriarchy in our society and how it unfortunately normalises violence against women. "We cannot do away with centuries of patriarchy, overnight," says Vidya Balan, who had underlined the importance of consent in relationships with her short film, Natkhat. Featuring her in the lead, the story revolves around a mother who inculcates the ideas of gender equality and respect for women, in her son from a tender age.

The actor believes that the recent controversy — where an FIR has been filed against a bunch of teenage boys from prominent Delhi schools for sharing objectionable pictures of underage girls on an Instagram group and engaging in conversations about rape — is a wake-up call for the country. "It makes you realise how we are products of patriarchy. These are young kids who are impressionable, and that's where upbringing comes into play. Friends, family, the educational system and media are all collectively responsible [in influencing young minds, thereby effecting change]. Through Natkhat, we have tried to show that change has to begin at home. Preaching doesn't yield anything. So, in the film, the mother systematically tries to change a child's perspective of power equation, gender equality, respect and more, through stories. Conversations around the role of parenting, and what constitutes consent should be constantly evolving. We are both victims and perpetrators of patriarchy," states the actor.

Though she understands that cinema is an all-pervasive medium, Balan opines that it, alone, cannot change social patterns. "It's too tall an expectation from films. When an opportunity presents itself, we are keen to tell a story that addresses social issues. At the same time, media and films have a peripheral role to play in effecting social change."

The actor-producer is contemplating a direct-to-web release of her short film. "The project was to travel to a few festivals, but they have been cancelled. Some OTT platforms have shown interest in picking it up. Ronnie [Screwvala, co-producer] and I are evaluating the options available; we want to ensure that the film reaches maximum people. We wanted to take the film to every school in the country."

Titas Chowdhury (BOMBAY TIMES; May 8, 2020)

The busting of the controversial Boys Locker Room, a chat room run by a bunch of Delhi boys on Instagram, has sent social media into a tizzy. Among many celebrities who have raised their voice against the content of the conversation is Amyra Dastur, who took to social media to express her opinions. Talking about it, she says, “I understand the need to look cool when you’re young. I believe we do say really stupid things when we’re growing up but there’s a line, and it scares me that they’ve crossed it. Rape is not a joke. And it’s this mentality that gives birth to criminals.”

She believes that a dialogue on gender-based violence among youngsters is the need of the hour. “People say sex education should be provided in schools but more than that, boys should be spoken to about domestic abuse, molestation and rape. They should be made to meet female victims and survivors, and hear their stories. One has to empathise with the situation to change a mind-set,” she says.

Due to the Coronavirus lockdown, the actor had to celebrate a quiet birthday with her parents a day ago. “I was supposed to be shooting in Chandigarh for a project and I requested my director to give me the day off so that I could travel to Amritsar and visit the Golden Temple,” she shares.

This year, Dastur aims to put her social responsibility to practice apart from hoping that everyone will continue to be kind to Mother Nature. “I’ve already donated to an NGO called Samarpan. I’ve put money in the accounts of a few workers from the industry and now I’m looking to donate money to the migrant workers in person or through their bank accounts so that I know it has reached them,” she signs off.