It goes without saying that Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen is one of India’s most iconic public figures. Besides being an acclaimed actress and India’s first Miss Universe, Sen is also an active humanitarian and spends a lot of her time engaging in several philanthropic ventures.
At an event in Mumbai, the actress opened up about her experience of sexual assault.
Speaking at the event organised to discuss the safety of women in India, Sushmita Sen told the reporters that she was molested by a fifteen-year-old boy at an award function about six months ago.
So many times people think we don’t encounter things like misbehaviour because we have bodyguards. Let me tell you, even with ten bodyguards around, we are dealing with a crowd of at least a hundred men who have often managed to misbehave with us.Sushmita Sen
Instead of choosing to take action against the boy, Sen confronted him, demanded an apology, and let him off with a stern warning.
Sen went on to express how it was pertinent for women and girls in India to learn self-defence as, unfortunately, regardless of the situation they remain on the verge of danger in our country.
She also highlighted how young boys need to be taught from childhood that such behaviour is simply not acceptable.
More power to you, Sushmita!
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)