Sit Back, Toss Your Head – Ab Laugh Naari

Lyrics by: Mekhala Saran
Camera: Abhey Singh
Editor: Puneet Bhatia

In a group of people,
in the middle of a discussion,
you try to make a point,
but face casual sexism.
CASUAL SEXISM!

"Ugh, excuse me sir,
But can I just say?"
"Go ahead, why not,
I'd like to hear a pretty face speak anyway."
But enough of it.
You're more than your face.
MORE THAN YOUR FACE.

You make more sense,
and in many more ways,
ye casual sexism at workplace,
ab padega unpe bhaari.

Sit back, toss your head.
AB LAUGH NAARI!

You were fourteen,
and in a co-ed,
when you got your first period.
And even though you were so careful,
they saw a pad between your books.

The boys laughed, or worse, whispered,
Even the girls gave you strange looks.
And you felt so ashamed,
that even today,
you hide your pad like it's a symbol,
of something just not okay,

But that's it, hold out your pad.
Tell them you bleed every month.
Remind them their moms do too.

If they continue to look stunned,
the blood does not come from murder.
It's only mahavaari.
Sit back, toss your head.
AB LAUGH NAARI!

You like your beer strong,
and your whiskey on the rocks.
But "only wine for the lady".
Or undisguised looks of absolute shock.

Go ahead, pick your poison.
No longer are we letting them decide.

A large Black Dog for the lady,
and very loud, crunchy Doritos on the side.
You can enjoy your drink as you like it.
No more trying to be sanskaari.

Sit back, toss your head.
AB LAUGH NAARI!

F FOR...? FEMALE ORGASM
Is that a bird? A place? A name?
Wait, it's your turn.
But oh he came?
Clean up, turn around.
Roll into a slumber.
You need release too?
Lol. Could you BE any dumber?

Well yes, now you will,
you're equals in the deed.

You don't need the man,
if he doesn't get your need.
If you're doing it together,
your orgasm too is his zimmadari
Sit back, toss your head.
AB LAUGH NAARI!

Husband calls and says toddler threw up.
Your shift just got done.
You run back home.
Because the baby's only one,
and the man can't clean up.
He must be tired after all.
And the baby made a mess, so it is the mother's call
Well no!
NO LONGER!

You divide the work equally,
Your office is as exhausting.
He must realise that finally,
you're no longer going to sit there
and excuse his lachaari.

Sit back, toss your head.
AB LAUGH NAARI!

Don't wax, wear shorts.
Don't let them decide what you wear.
Lick your fingers while you eat.
They judge? You don't care.
Laugh like Surpanakha.

Text Sabyasachi you don't know how to wear a sari.
Hey, slay like Manjulika.
AB LAUGH NAARI!

(Hey there, lady! What makes you laugh? Do you laugh at sexism, patriarchy, and misogyny? Do 'sanskaari' stereotypes crack you up? This Women's Day, join The Quint's Ab Laugh Naari campaign. Pick up that beer, say cheers, and send us photographs or videos of you laughing out loud at [e-mail].)