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Mira Rajput doesn't understand feminism. And that's okay

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Ananya Bhattacharya
Ananya BhattacharyaMar 10, 2017 | 19:44

Mira Rajput doesn't understand feminism. And that's okay

Mira Rajput, Shahid Kapoor's wife, was seen talking "feminism" and "empowerment" at a recent event on Women's Day. Notice the phrase "Shahid Kapoor's wife". Because when you take the name Mira Rajput, there are two identities you can think of a) Mira Rajput who?, and b) Shahid Kapoor's wife.

Some people might add a third to that list: Misha Kapoor's mother. She is an actor's wife, his daughter's mother. And she's okay with that. So are we.

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But when she speaks about ''empowerment" to a group of women, on Women's Day, it is downright offensive to hear her spout gyaan on something she probably doesn't understand. She's calling the "new wave of feminism" destructive in the same breath as she's saying it is her choice that she wants to stay at home and see her daughter grow up.

Feminism made it possible for you to have the freedom to speak, in the first place, Mira. Or maybe in your case, your husband's fame as an actor. When you sit on a stage dressed in your $1,000 outfit and talk about your choice of being a homemaker, maybe spare a thought for all those women who are not as privileged as you are.

You speak from a position of privilege, a position that you have come unto by virtue of your marriage or family or fortune. Before 2015, no one knew who you were. Today, some people do, but I doubt they care. That's as much importance your voice has got.

You talk of feminism. You don't need to make a fool of yourself. Or do. That's your choice. Feminism is about your choice, true. But when you say you "proudly wear the label of a homemaker", you are demeaning all those women who are homemakers in the real sense of the term.

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Women who probably can't afford as many servants and chauffeurs and nannies and cooks as your husband's money can.

About 60 years ago, I had a grandmother who was battling poverty, dealing with an unemployed husband, bringing up four children, going out and working in an office, coming back home and breast-feeding two of her kids, cooking for a family of six on a chulha because gas ovens were unheard of, and then retiring to bed for two hours if she was lucky. Her children were not "puppies" either.

She wanted to be a "homemaker". She too wanted to wear the label proudly. She too wanted to watch her kids grow up and be near them every moment. She did not have a choice. But she was a lot more empowered than your Gucci-decorated, Fendi-flouting self would be able to fathom.

You equate the new-wave feminism to male chauvinism. You say "feminazis" are equal to "male chauvinists". Maybe try and understand those words first. Don't worry, we'll forgive you if you don't understand them.

You have done nothing substantial to speak of any way (apart from, as you say, "being a proud homemaker"). I really hope you make a home. Make yourself a good one. But don't talk about things you don't understand. Feminism sure is among them.

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Last updated: March 10, 2017 | 22:31
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