Women are not mirrors. They are human beings just like men. Reflection shows the stereotype thoughts that society has about women, says director Sameer Baghela. These opinionated thoughts should go first , he says.
A chit chat with Sameer Baghela.
What prompted you to make a film on women?
My friends and I would be discussing a lot on the sad state that some women are in these days. The kind of stereotype thoughts that prevail about women are astonishing. If you watch my film the story is told in reflections, it is all about mirrors. Mirror never lies. There is this popular belief that a mirror that breaks cannot be reconstructed to perfection, this is what is thought of women as well. All this is rubbish. Based on these thoughts we made this film.
What is women empowerment according to you?
Women should be treated like any other being on the universe. Women are no different from men. In fact they are the reason of our existence. If a woman wants to do something, we should be encouraging them and not suppressing them.
In your life, could you relate to any instances where women were either celebrated or oppressed?
I don’t relate closely to the oppression. But I have seen some women who had to give up on their dreams after marriage. Worse thing was when the men in their house said that they can take care of the women and there was no need to pursue their career. When it comes to celebrated women, I am impressed by is Kalpana Chawla and designer Bhanu Attaiyya. These are great achievers and we have so much to learn from them.
Tell us about personal women icons who made a difference to the society or to you?
My mother is my personal icon. She is a single parent and gave me an amazing upbringing. Whatever I needed was provided to me single handed by her. I am greatly indebted.
How should society go about enabling women to be empowered?
It should commence from one’s home. Put this thought in everyone’s head that girl child is no less than a boy child. They all are the same. Why worship women only during Navrathri? Respect and worship them throughout and you will see the necessary change.