'Women Are Afraid To Say They Are Feminists': Adah Sharma On International Women's Day Opens Up About Feminism (Exclusive)

Adah Sharma has played strong characters in movies like 1920, Commando 2, The Kerala Story, Bastar: The Naxal Story, and more. On International Women's Day, Free Press Journal spoke to her about feminism, women facing challenges in the film industry, and a lot more...

On Women's Day do you do something special for yourself?

No, I think of myself as special the whole year round.

Have any of your close ones done something special for you on this day or have you done anything special for women around you?

We did a film called The Kerala Story and I'm told that after the release there has been a drop of 50 percent of women who were manipulated to become terrorists and suicide bombers .

Do you think that just one day is enough to celebrate womanhood?

If it makes someone happy, like celebrating your birthday once a year then it's wonderful. Let the girls have fun!

We are in 2025 where women are equal to men. But, why do you think a woman's safety is still a matter of concern in our country?

Men worldwide need to have their senses under control and then women will be safe.

A lot of times, people take feminism as a concept of male bashing. What's your take on the term 'feminism'?

Feminism means equal rights, equal opportunities. There's so much patriarchy that has been ingrained into us as a society that a lot of women are afraid to say they are feminists, because that might make the men, who don't know the definition of feminism, not like them

What according to you are the biggest challenges women face in the film industry?

Just like in the world, the film industry too is dominated by men. Different kinds of challenges, each day brings up new surprises. I feel like I'm opening a surprise gift on a daily basis. Almost like I'm celebrating Women's Day every day (laughs).

One woman you have always looked up to in your life.

Saint Muktabai - she was a 13th-century saint and poet who broke barriers and promoted equality between men and women. She is considered a pioneer of proto-feminism. She believed that all beings are equal and that the essence of God is in everyone. She campaigned for equality between men and women, which was a restricted sphere for women at the time.

Lastly, a message for all your female fans this International Women's Day.

Happy Women’s Day to all the queens out there! You’re all like Wi-Fi—when you’re around, everything just works better. you make the world brighter! Whether you’re juggling work, life, or just trying to remember where you left your keys; you’re doing an amazing job. Keep being the fabulous, unstoppable force that you are. And remember, as a woman you can be everything you want to be!

Published on: Saturday, March 08, 2025, 01:47 PM IST