Khushboo’s Bold Comments on Women’s Safety Spark Attention at IFFI 2024 Panel Discussion
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) kicked off in Goa yesterday, drawing numerous celebrities and industry figures to the grand event. The festival’s opening ceremony set the stage for insightful discussions, with the first panel discussion focusing on “Women’s Safety and Cinema” drawing considerable attention.
Khushboo, a prominent actress, caught everyone’s eye with her candid remarks during the discussion. When asked whether women face challenges only within the film industry, she boldly responded, “No, there are hard times for women everywhere—from traveling in a bus to every corner of the world.” She recalled a personal experience on a film set, where a hero once made an inappropriate comment during a break. Khushboo, with unflinching confidence, responded, “Long back, a hero asked if there was a chance for him during the break time; I replied, my chappal size is 41. Should I slap him here or in front of everyone on the set?” She continued, “At that time, I was only thinking about my self-respect, not my career. Women should stand up against hard times in that instance instead of worrying about the consequences.”
The panel, moderated by renowned actor and producer Vani Tripathi Tikoo, also featured prominent figures such as Imtiaz Ali, Suhasini Maniratnam, and Bhumi Pednekar. The discussion delved into vital issues of women’s safety, gender representation, and the role of cinema in shaping societal perceptions and values. The session aimed to bring awareness to the challenges women face, not just within the film industry but across various sectors of society.
Khushboo’s powerful words resonated with the audience, reflecting the importance of self-respect and standing up against injustice, regardless of the circumstances. The panel discussion, which has since been widely discussed on social media, highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes and greater protection for women, both in the film industry and beyond.
