Behind the glamorous façade of the film industry lie stories that often leave us pondering. Recently, an actress who has appeared in films like 'The Raja Sahab' made a significant statement regarding women's safety in Mumbai.
Entertainment Desk: Mumbai, the city of dreams, is known for its openness, opportunities, and glitz. However, it also faces recurring criticism regarding women's safety. Actress Malavika Mohanan recently shared a past experience, raising crucial questions about this issue.
Malavika, now a well-known actress in Hindi and South Indian cinema, revealed a deeply unsettling incident from her college days.
Incident on a Mumbai Local Train Revealed
In an interview with Hotstar, Malavika Mohanan recounted an experience from her college days, describing how an ordinary Mumbai local train journey turned terrifying. She stated, "I didn't have a car back then; I used public transport to commute to college. That day, my two friends and I were traveling in the first-class ladies' compartment."
It was around 9:30 PM. While they were talking, a stranger peered in through the train window and said, "Will you give me a kiss?" The three girls were shocked. The man's behavior was not only indecent but also highlighted the insecurity of public transport.
Mumbai Not Entirely Safe for Women
Elaborating on her experience, Malavika said, "People say Mumbai is one of the safest cities for women, but my experience differs. I always feared someone would make lewd comments, attempt to harass me, or behave inappropriately. When you don't have your own vehicle, you are vulnerable – that's a harsh reality."
Currently, the actress has a personal vehicle and driver, but she acknowledges that most women lack such access and face similar risky situations daily.
Why Do Safety Concerns Recur?
This isn't the first time an actress has complained about inappropriate behavior on Mumbai locals or in public places. Previously, actresses like Swara Bhasker, Radhika Apte, and Sanya Malhotra have shared similar experiences. This clarifies that irrespective of whether a woman is an ordinary citizen or a known personality, incidents of sexual harassment or indecent remarks are widespread.
The government and railways have implemented several initiatives for women's safety, including CCTV cameras, women's coaches, and deployment of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). However, the persistence of such cases indicates that the impact of these measures on the ground is limited. To prevent such incidents, it is crucial to:
- Provide self-defense training to women
- Educate people on sexual etiquette
- Ensure swift and effective legal action
- Increase the number of female staff in public spaces
By sharing her story, Malavika Mohanan has demonstrated social responsibility. It is essential that when prominent figures speak out on such issues, society listens seriously. Her action will not only raise awareness among other women but also encourage them to share their experiences and speak up.
