Anushka Ranjan on #MeToo: I have experienced it, I will speak when I am ready. exclusive
In an exclusive interview, Anushka Ranjan talks about the #MeToo movement in the South film industry, highlighting the challenges she faces despite her privileged background. She stressed the importance of self-worth and empowerment, saying she would elaborate when she was ready.
Actress-philanthropist Anushka Ranjan talks about her opinion on the #MeToo movement that has recently taken the South film industry by storm. Despite coming from a privileged background, Anushka admitted that she had to go through safety issues in her job. However, the Pink Lens actor said that she wants to speak about it when she feels ready.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today Digital, Anushka Ranjan talks about her opinion on the #MeToo movement that has recently reemerged in the South film industry. She said, “I know these situations because I think I have been a part of them too.” These situations are the hardest to handle, no matter how straightforward I am about things.”
She further added, “No matter how stubborn or confident I am as a person, one still feels very insecure in these situations because you know what kind of interaction the other person is having with you. And deep inside you know there’s something that’s not right.”
Anushka further said, “It is really heartbreaking when you hear such things. It also arises from situations where we do not value ourselves enough but over-invest in our careers. Perhaps, this is easier said than done for me because I come from a supportive family who have always told me that no matter what, they are always here to support me. But then, there are some people who don’t come from that background and it’s like an ultimatum for them that they have to work and support themselves and their families.”
She further added, “Personally, for me, it’s all a vicious cycle where we need to empower and educate our parents too so that they teach the coming generation more about self-respect and self-worth. So, if such a situation ever arises they know where to draw the line and how to react to it.”
Despite coming from a privileged background, has Anushka ever faced an unfortunate situation that raised questions about her safety? He replied, “Yes, I have also experienced this firsthand. I would like to speak about it in more detail some time, when I am ready and know exactly what I want to say.”
“It was not the gestures, but the words that were said to me that made me feel uncomfortable. From that day till today I never felt the need to go to that person, whether the job opportunity came or not. Life is a cycle because what goes around, comes around and I believe in it,” she concluded.
Anushka Ranjan’s NGO initiative, BETI, has been at the forefront for the last 15 years in organizing some of the largest charity events in India to raise funds for girls’ education. She, along with NGOs, has been a strong advocate of empowering young girls and women to overcome challenges and become self-reliant.