Swara Bhaskar calls herself an unapologetic feminist, says it’s a misunderstood term

Actor Swara Bhaskar has always been vocal about issues, especially ones pertaining to women. The 29-year-old who has impressed fans and critics with films such as Nil Battey Sannata (2016), Anaarkali of Aarah (2017) and Listen...Ameya (2013) says that feminism is a way of life. “I am an unapologetic feminist. But I think it’s a misunderstood term. My question to those who say that they are not feminists, frankly, would be ‘why not?’”

Calling the movement positive and peaceful, Swara believes that it’s about getting equal rights, not just for women but also for men. “This notion that feminism is a movement to get more rights for women than for men is a very unfortunate misunderstanding of what it actually is. I see it as a peaceful movement that has never fought any wars, nor created any violence. So it should not be maligned for any reason,” says the actor.

Swara also feels angry that lot of people, who try and be the advocates of feminism, don’t really understand the term. “I think a true feminist won’t be one who says women are the real victims or use a false case against a man. To me, a woman who is taking advantage of one Article or a law is not a true feminist. A real one will never victimise a man by using a fake case,” adds Swara.

Feminism, she feels, is the reason why most women today are able to chart professional paths for themselves. “It’s the reason we have the right to vote and we have equal pay for equal work or even if it means we are discussing around it. It’s the reason why so many women are able to get paid maternity leave,” says Swara, who will next be seen in the film Veere Di Wedding.