For as far as I can remember, and even before that, women have been pitted against each other for numerous reasons. From the auntie next door who has an unhealthy interest in our fashion choices to the woman on Twitter calling a sexual harassment survivor as an “attention seeker,” these are all manifestations of this.
And even when aware of this fact, it takes a lot to unlearn this age-old practice that’s been instilled in all of us. Even more to walk the talk.
Which is why Farah Khan’s response to the allegations made against her brother Sajid Khan is worthy of taking note.
Sajid Khan who’s been accused of despicable acts by actresses Saloni Chopra and Rachel White, as well as a freelance journalist, has since been made to step down from his directorial position for the movie Housefull 4.
With all 3 women detailing the horrible experiences they have allegedly had at the hands of her brother, Farah Khan responded with the following tweet:
This is a heartbreaking time for my family.We have to work through some very difficult issues. If my brother has behaved in this manner he has a lot to atone for.I don’t in any way endorse this behavior and Stand in solidarity with any woman who has been hurt.
— Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) October 12, 2018
Despite being shaken by the accusations against her brother, Farah declares her solidarity the women hurt by his actions.
Many on Twitter appreciated Farah for standing by the women affected, rather than blindly taking her brother’s side:
https://twitter.com/fayedsouza/status/1050706428300812289
Good on You Farah. https://t.co/JDl9Y95oRM
— Shreya Dhoundial (@shreyadhoundial) October 12, 2018
@TheFarahKhan with you. Handled this in the most admirable manner. Support for family, even when/if guilty and standing with your sisters. If our leaders could learn from your example instead of remaining Mauni Baba. Something they used to accuse the humble @ManmohanSingh__ of. https://t.co/TNEANLGKYc
— Ranga (@ranga_d6_iima) October 12, 2018
Remarkable. It takes great strength to stand for a victim when the accused is your own family. This lady is admirable 🙏 https://t.co/rtwxDAxoAK
— Preeti Sharma Menon (@PreetiSMenon) October 12, 2018
Can't imagine how difficult this must have been for Farah Khan https://t.co/wbvVzERfHM
— Manal Faheem Khan (@ManalFaheemKhan) October 12, 2018
Probably the only person coming up with this stance when a close family member is blamed for harassment. So much respect! https://t.co/qo7dwFdyr7
— Abeer (@DMisHaram) October 12, 2018
However, some are finding it hard to believe that she did not know of his behaviour earlier:
Is it only me, or all these tweets from @SimplySajidK friends and family are sounding a bit scripted #MeeToo https://t.co/XSP6OO3I36
— Sonal MehrotraKapoor (@Sonal_MK) October 12, 2018
I believe that she sincerely means what she says but is it possible that she didn't know about his behavior before today? Especially based on the kind of jokes he made in his movies!!! https://t.co/eJK3sGWCtc
— Saloni Munot (@salonimunot) October 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/iiPalz/status/1050713637726240768
Sometimes its hard to believe that the family is unaware about such pervert tendencies of a person.The murmurs and gossip is always there. Its blood relations which trumps morality and this perverse culture never gets exposed. https://t.co/osnBruYg9Z
— JEETENDRA CHOUDHARY (@jeetendra1190) October 12, 2018
While it is hard to determine whether Farah Khan did indeed know of the sexual misconducts her brother has been accused off, it is nonetheless comforting to see her take a stand for the women risking everything to tell their stories. We will just have to wait to see how the repercussions of this matter falls on Sajid and his family.