As India grapples with nationwide protests following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, actor Arjun Kapoor shared a poignant message on Raksha Bandhan, urging a change in societal attitudes towards women’s safety. Kapoor, known for his candid views, emphasised the need to create a secure environment for women rather than simply focusing on protecting them.
Reflecting on the significance of Raksha Bandhan, Kapoor expressed his discomfort with celebrating the festival given the current situation. “It feels strange to celebrate a festival centered on protection while witnessing so much anguish and a lack of understanding among men,” Kapoor said. “When we celebrate rakhi, we talk about being a brother. But why aren’t we taught to make the environment safe enough for our sisters to move freely without needing a brother’s protection all the time?”
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Arjun Kapoor stressed that society must move beyond the traditional image of men as protectors. “Yes, we are used to the idea that the brother or man is protective, but we need to teach men to make women feel safe rather than just teaching them to protect women,” he added.
In his message, Kapoor highlighted the urgent need for a shift in the collective mindset. He pointed out that this conversation is much larger than what is often discussed. “There’s a lot of education, conversation, and basic understanding lacking in our ecosystem. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. We’ve always been told to protect, but why aren’t we told to make women feel safe?” Kapoor questioned, adding that while it may seem like a complex topic, it is vital to bring it into the public discourse.
Kapoor’s comments underscore the necessity of addressing men’s attitudes and beliefs about women. He urged his fellow men to actively contribute to creating a safer and more supportive environment for women, emphasising that true empowerment comes from making women feel secure.
On the professional front, Arjun Kapoor will next be seen as the antagonist in Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again. He is also part of the upcoming sequel to No Entry, produced by Boney Kapoor, alongside Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh.