In the light of recent events, when Priyanka Reddy, a veterinary doctor from Hyderabad was gang-raped and burnt alive by 4 men and our ‘respected’ ministers passed snarky comments like, “boys will be boys”, “why do girls roam out late at night?”, one even went ahead said, “rapes happen due to chowmein”. Just when we thought that the situation gets any worse, Filmmaker suggested that women should carry a condom and cooperate in rape. This is not new when society is blaming the victim. It’s high time that people learn that instead of restricting our daughters we should educate our sons. This article is about the men from all around the world who show what actually being a man is. These are the celebrities who taught us how to respect women.
1. FARHAN AKHTAR
This Indian actor, director, writer, producer and singer is a true feminist. He is always been vocal about women empowerment, security and equality. He started a campaign called MARD, that stands for Men Against Rape and Discrimination after the Nirbhaya rape case. Father of two beautiful young girls has always been a motivation for everyone and shown what’s it to be a true man. He became the first South-Asian male goodwill ambassador for women by the UN.
2. AAMIR KHAN
Indian actor, producer, runs a successful show called Satymev Jayate which address crucial issues like domestic violence, female feticide, honour killing, dowry. Satymev Jayate has also many times taught us how to respect women. He has always given an ample amount of money to charity for educating young girls. His recent movie Dangal has shown how much importance a father has in a daughter’s life and their dreams. Based on a true story this movie breaks all stereotypes and is a must-watch.
3. SHAH RUKH KHAN
SRK is known as Badshah of Bollywood, not just for namesake. He has proven many times that he has a huge heart. He has done many movies which had not only strong female roles but also male roles that treat women with respect be it romantic Raj or loving and caring husband Suriji and not to forget coach Kabir Khan. In his films name of female lead comes before male lead in credits, unlike other Bollywood movies. He has even said once that if ever any of his sons misbehave with a girl he will kill them. Not only a loving and caring husband but Shahrukh is also an inspiring father who educates his sons to be a better human being. Shouldn’t we all learn something from him?
4. PRINCE HARRY
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, a member of the British royal family has always made sure there exist equal rights between both the genders. He gets it from the family. He voiced his support for the empowerment of women in a speech at the Chime for Change concert in 2013. “We know that when women are empowered, they immeasurably improve the lives of everyone around them- their families, their communities, and their countries,” he said. “This is not just about woman, we need to recognize the part we play too. Real men treat women with dignity and give them the respect they deserve. ” This is the type of leader we need in our generation.
5. HARRY STYLES
Harry Styles, famous British singer, former one direction member is a huge supporter of the UN campaign #HeforShe which promotes gender equality. Styles is strictly against objectifying women. He says that he was raised by his mother and sister who taught him to respect women. He is an epitome of being a gentleman. Aww … can he get any better?
6. BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH
Benedict Cumberbatch is an Oscar nominee English actor, who truly embodies what it is to be a gentleman. He has always supported and respected all his female co-stars and was seen wearing a shirt that says this is what a feminist looks like a shirt for Elle magazine photoshoot. He also received honour from Queen.
7. AZIZ ANSARI
Aziz Ansari is an actor, writer, producer, director and a comedian. He supports equality at the workplace and believes that women should be equally paid as they as much as men do if not more. He claims to be a quote “You are a feminist if you go to a Beyonce and Jay Z concert and you are not like ‘Umm I think Beyonce should get 23% less money than Jay Z’ ”.
So this was all about the celebrities who taught us how to respect women. Hope we all learnt something today from these amazing men.
READ MORE: Manning Down: How New Age Bollywood Actors Are Redefining Masculinity