Anushka Sharma, who’s probably enjoying the success of Sultan right now, recently sat down to chat with Anupama Chopra for the Film Companion. In it, she answered a bunch of questions about the film, but of course what stood out was her response to Salman Khan‘s rape comment. Many celebrities have declined to say anything on the matter, and considering Anushka was Salman’s co-star in the said film, you may expect that she’d avoid the topic too. However, Anushka did have a response! She said that she didn’t want to get into what was going on in his head, as that’s something only he can answer. But she did acknowledge that the comment was insensitive, and said that we all have a responsibility towards the things we say, especially celebrities:
Firstly, I want to find out what made him say it because I wasn’t there. So first is to find out if it’s really true that he said that. A lot has been spoken about it; obviously we all understand that it was rather insensitive. But now, when I look at it today, when everything is happening, there are so many debates that went on air, and whatever else that took place – yes, it was insensitive, and something that I was surprised by, that it was said the way it was. What it made me realise is that all of us, each and everyone of us – not just celebrities – have a responsibility towards what they speak anywhere. Not just publicly, but anywhere – whatever you say, you have to be aware of. Celebrities moreso.
She further went on to say that she realised many people may throw the word ‘rape’ around casually – like “I had such a tough day, I feel raped” – and her hope is that people realise they have to be extremely sensitive about what they say.
I hope that this is what people get out of this incident. We know what’s wrong about it but if we look at the positive side of it, I hope people understand they have to be extremely sensitive about what we say because we are going through bad times in the country where women are not receiving the kind of respect they should.
Pretty sorted response, I think – she acknowledges that it was insensitive, which so many celebrities refuse to do, and she also makes the very important point that everyone should be responsible and sensitive about what they choose to say.
Watch the interview here: