News Desk |
Indian actress Dia Mirza snapped at Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar for missing out female representation in the delegation of the Indian film industry that met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The delegation included actors Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar, and Karan Johar had met PM Modi to discuss the present challenges faced by the Indian film industry.
Upon return, Akshay Kumar posted a message of gratitude on Twitter thanking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He wrote, “Heartfelt thank you to the honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking out time to hear us at length, discuss issues pertaining to our industry and assuring positive consideration of suggestions.”
Heartfelt thank you to the honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi ji for taking out time to hear us at length, discuss issues pertaining to our industry and assuring positive consideration of suggestions. pic.twitter.com/ShGfr0Jlvu
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 18, 2018
Dia Mirza replied to his tweet and raised concerns for a total absence of women in the delegation– that are an integral part of the Indian film industry. She slammed the organizers and attendees for being caught up in a patriarchal mindset.
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“This is wonderful! Is there a reason why there were no women in this room,” Dia posted. “How can an entire industry be represented only by men,” questioned Dia in another tweet.
This is wonderful! Is there a reason why there were no women in this room? @akshaykumar https://t.co/oO9teT3Gyi
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) December 19, 2018
A social media user questioned her about why everything needs to be about competition between men and women. She commented that “It’s not about the competition! It’s such a fundamental thing. If we hope to achieve equality we must be included in all conversations! Of course, women are doing well. We are doing well despite the fact that we are excluded. And doesn’t that need to change?”
It’s not about competition! It’s such a fundamental thing. If we hope to achieve equality we must be included in all conversations! Of course women are doing well. We are doing well despite the fact that we are excluded. And doesn’t that need to change? https://t.co/D9ug3OG55U
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) December 20, 2018
It was, however, not only Dia Mirza but other people who shared fuming messages on social media. The Twitter discussion soon melted down to how women have been objectified in the industry for over decades but were not respected enough to be treated as an integral component of the film industry despite the fact that actress Deepika Padukone superseded her male counterparts to become the highest paid actor in the industry.
https://twitter.com/Siddharth_DA/status/1075287480356823041
A very sad moment for the women of India where the PM meets with a delegation of film industry where women are objectified but never a part of any delegation. Who curated the list of invitees? Shouldn't the person be questioned?
— Shals (@Shalshandle) December 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/autumnrainwish/status/1075281098073096193