I have been reading a lot of articles and posts about the Vogue video with Deepika Padukone. While it sends a strong message and people have all sorts of views about it like its just catering to the high society women, and also that it doesn't touch base a common woman's woes, hence not for common people and what not! And they are fighting and debating over it! As if, they are the epitomes of the feeling called 'empowerment'.
Did anybody try to understand what the message was in real terms! Are women in this country being given their choice really! Yes!, women are being given a chance to build their careers, make a name for themselves, walk abreast with men, make certain decisions! You read that right, make CERTAIN decisions. Still, the 'Choice' remain in other's lap. still a women is expected to wear what her family or extended family is comfortable with.
A women who does not wear make up after marriage is like an alien. A newly wed girl has to, has to clad and dress up like a bride everyday! I am not kidding when I say she is given a choice to wear the color of nail paint and length of the sindoor! She has the choice for her career aspirations, till the time they accommodate the husband's career aspirations and her family's demands and needs. She still is required to be home before her husband and dress up for him so that when he comes home, he should find a perfect cultured wife smiling and watching the doors for him. She is totally free to make a choice for the colour of her clothes, but you know what, it will b really nice if there is something in reds or pinks or maybe maroons and magentas! Her choice, really!
An Indian women is really given a choice in waking up an hour before the husband wakes up, or maybe half an hour before. She is also given choice to learn to cook any of the cuisines her mother-in-law doesn't know! How generous, isn't it! I mean what more can you ask for!
The choice buffet is not over yet! How can we miss- 'the ladkiyon wale kaam'. Don't be so awestruck now! I am talking about the chores like making the bed, cleaning bathrooms, washing utensils, managing the household- the 'aalishaan' house, adorable kids and sweet hubby and his ageing parents.
She may choose her time table to do all this, as per her convenience, do as much of anything and keep smiling. She is also given a choice to go 'visit' her maiden house as many times, with a prior approval from her in-laws.
She also has a choice to study after her marriage, like she can choose subjects like management of homes and maids, baby production, servicing of poor old parents in laws, nuances of jagrans and kirtans and what not! There is a complete handbook of the options available.
Its all her choice really!
But we chose to fight over a video's content. Phew!
