Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
Shilpa Shetty presents a new radio show on the Mahabharat, speaking in the voice of Draupadi. Here's a look at how the modern woman still has the same woes.
Shilpa Shetty presents a new radio show on the Mahabharat, speaking in the voice of Draupadi. Here’s a look at how the modern woman still has the same woes.
Mahabharat is an epic saga of greed, passion, love and sin which have been a part of Indian culture since time immemorial. Over the years, many authors, thinkers and philosophers have added their own perspective to the story, giving it a new dimension. This tale continues to fascinate generations of people and has remained relevant since it was written a few centuries ago.
The most mesmerizing character of this mythology is Draupadi, the queen who was supposedly the epicenter of the war that wiped out families. Daughter of fire, she was born a princess and went on to become a queen. However, her life was filled with hardships and constant struggles.
Her story is now told on a new radio show, narrated by Shilpa Shetty. The actress retells the story of the Mahabharat from Draupadi’s point of view and lends her voice to the character. This show is very relevant for women, because like Draupadi we all face challenges in our life. In fact, we have similar trials and tribulations, only in different forms. Listed below are some similarities that we share with this ancient queen.
Draupadi was expected to marry five brothers so that her mother-in-law’s command was obeyed, even if it was an unreasonable demand. Don’t we all meet such expectations in our daily life?
A regular example – a woman is supposed to play the multiple roles of a dutiful daughter-in-law, a loving wife, a caring mother, and a reliable employee without taking a day off. If she slips in any of these roles, then she is not devoted enough or responsible enough and is found lacking.
This tale proves that women have been objectified, and treated as a possession from the beginning of time.
Draupadi was gambled away like a prize, and her feelings were not taken into consideration. She was not given the respect that every human being deserves. We battle this misogynistic practice on a daily basis.
Though a queen, Draupadi was dragged into a court filled with men and an attempt was made to disrobe her. Not one man, including her husbands came to her rescue.
Today, ‘eve-teasing’ is a regular occurrence. Women or girls are often subject to harassment by local goons and rarely someone intervenes or helps.
When the Pandavas were sent to exile, Draupadi went with them, as an ‘obedient wife’ should.
In the modern world, if a woman’s husband is transferred or gets a better job, she is expected to leave her career, family, friends and go with him. After all, his job and career are more important, and her ‘main identity’ is that she is his wife.
Draupadi was known for her aggressive nature and sharp tongue. Apparently she laughed when Duryodhana fell into a pool of water at Indarprastha, and he was got his revenge by ensuring that the Pandavas lost everything. Hence, it was her behavior that started the chain of events that led to the epic war. (!!)
A woman should remain docile and quiet and not give her views on anything. If she speaks her mind or is rude then she is ‘asking for trouble’.
Sadly, we have a lot in common with Panchali, another name she was known by. Did she feel the same frustration that we feel? How did she handle the various pressures, the judgmental looks, the condescending attitude of men? I guess by using the same technique that we do, taking one day at a time.
Image source: Flickr
My first book - Second Chances has just released and is present on all online book stores. Do pick up a copy to read about the adventures of a novice ghost. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Who are these people who decide how a married woman should pose? Women do have a life and career outside their marriages!
Last week, a picture kept popping up on my FB feed, of a man and a woman standing close. I didn’t pay much attention, they looked like any other celebrity couple.
It was when I accidentally saw a derogatory term about the woman as the title of a post, that I read.
The woman in the pic was Dhanashree Verma, a Youtuber, choreographer, Jhalak Dikhla Ja participant and wife of cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal. The man was another choreographer, Pratik Utekar.
The pursuit of true happiness and owning your true identity - things that probably are most important for humans. Laapataa Ladies has it all.
This well written satire goes as deep inside as it seems on the surface. While uncovering the deep-rooted traditions and superstitions of traditional India on the face of it, this story of lost women is actually also a story of finding oneself. Not only for the “lost ladies” but for a lot of other characters of the movie.
Be it by getting reminded of the childhood self, or of the dreams seen as a child or via learning & unlearning, or even questioning some of the self-beliefs when shown the mirror, or tapping on the hidden goodness, each major character of the film ends up finding self.
Well what can be a bigger accomplishment than this. A very powerful and intelligently written story showing the world that the dark and the bright stays together, it co exists.
Please enter your email address