Neena Gupta Questions Feminism
In her recent appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Neena Gupta revisited her past statements on women’s struggles in a patriarchal society. Recalling a statement she made over a decade ago that being born a woman is a curse, Gupta expressed her views on feminism, dubbing it as “faltu” or unnecessary. She suggested that thinking about men and women being equal is unnecessary and added, “We are not equals. When a man starts to get pregnant, only then we’ll be equal. We can never be equal.”
Despite this perspective, Gupta acknowledged certain goals for women that align with feminist ideals, such as achieving financial independence, focusing on one’s work, and valuing roles like that of a housewife. However, her notion that equality is unattainable unless men can experience pregnancy raised eyebrows.
When asked about her opinion on feminism’s mission, Gupta humorously stated, “I don’t know. But I just want women to be financially independent.” This led to a critique of her apparent lack of alignment with the core principles of feminism, which advocate for social, economic, and political equality between the sexes.
Furthermore, Gupta shared an incident from her youth where she felt unsafe, emphasizing the need for women to have a man for protection. This viewpoint triggered a discussion on the complex issue of women’s safety and the societal narrative surrounding men as protectors.
The internet’s response to Gupta’s statements was divided, with some supporting her views and others pointing out the irony in her stance. The episode underscored the ongoing debates around feminism, gender equality, and the role of men in women’s safety.
In essence, Neena Gupta’s comments shed light on the complexity of perspectives within society, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions and awareness regarding feminism’s fundamental goals and the evolving dynamics between genders.
Repurposed article originally published in M India