When last week Lisa Ray posted a photo on Instagram showing Salman Khan on stage with his leading ladies, their faces morphed with pictures of silenced monkeys, everyone knew the feisty actress was making a strong statement about the lack of protest within the Indian entertainment industry against Salman’s “rape analogy”. Lisa clarifies that she did not intend to pin the blame on Salman for the trivialisation of an issue as serious as rape. “I don’t believe in perpetrating a blame game. However, since the dice is cast and the ‘rape’ discussion has entered public discourse once again, this is an opportunity to have a positive dialogue about the usage of the word ‘rape’.”
Lisa posted this photo with the caption, “Bollywood’s most progressive stars stood next to Salman Khan quietly...”
Lisa points out how sensitively issues related to rape are handled in the international media. “In other countries, a trigger-warning is issued before even printing or discussing the word ‘rape’. Lisa feels parents must play an equally important role in the gender sensitisation of coming generations. “Fathers and mothers can play a big role. And while the media can at times over-react, families can use a chance like the recent one to examine their own values and attitudes towards the status of women in India.”
Unlike many Bollywood divas, who have kept quiet on the Salman issue for fear of being slammed by his fans, Lisa doesn’t mind getting flak. “I know this will make me unpopular, but this is the price of standing up for your values and beliefs. First you need to decide how you feel about what Salman said: does it bother you? Doesn’t it bother you? If even one person changes his or her view on ‘rape’ and women’s dignity in India after this incident, something positive would have been accomplished.” Lisa feels the issue has gone way beyond Salman. “Right now, this is an opportunity to elevate people’s awareness, not point fingers.”
