After her standout performance in Rajat Kapoor’s RK/RKay in 2022, actress Mallika Sherawat is making headlines again with her upcoming film, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, alongside Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri. During promotional events for the film, Mallika opened up about her challenging childhood and the discrimination she faced as a woman growing up in Haryana.
In a candid interview with Hauterrfly, Mallika shared her experiences of feeling unsupported by her family. “I didn’t have anybody’s support. Neither my mother nor my father supported me. My family did not support me,” she revealed. She highlighted how her family, like many others, perpetuated patriarchal norms that limited her opportunities and freedom.
Mallika emphasized that women also play a crucial role in sustaining these societal structures. “How men have treated women is a different thing, but what about how the women treat other women? Women continue to tie other women by the peg of patriarchy and close all the doors. They don’t open the doors for other women,” she explained, pointing to a pervasive cycle of discrimination.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Mallika recalled the stark favouritism her parents showed toward her brother. “My parents would discriminate between me and my brother so much. I used to be very sad in my growing-up years thinking why my parents discriminated against me so much. As a child, I didn’t understand, but now I do,” she shared. She recounted how her family prioritized her brother’s education and future, reinforcing traditional views: “They used to say, ‘Send the son abroad, educate him, invest in him.’ All the family’s wealth will go from the son to the grandson. What about the girls? They will get married; they are a liability, ek bojh hai (they are a burden).”
Realizing she was not alone in her struggles, Mallika acknowledged that many girls in her village faced similar injustices. This revelation ignited her desire to break free from societal expectations. She noted, “My parents gave me everything… a good education, but not an open mindset or good thoughts. They didn’t give me the freedom.”
Mallika also recounted how her family discouraged her from pursuing sports due to concerns about her femininity, saying, “You’ll become very masculine, manly. Who will marry you?” Her birth was even met with disappointment, highlighting deep-rooted patriarchal values. “When I was born, mere pariwaar mein maatam chhaa gaya tha (there was mourning in my family),” she added, reflecting on the impact of societal norms on her early life.
As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, Mallika’s reflections shed light on the ongoing struggle against gender discrimination and the need for societal change.