In our society, you will often find women being held accountable for the actions of men. If a woman’s husband has done or said something that can be called problematic, she is the one who is on the receiving end of pointed fingers. Kiran Rao is one such woman.
Kiran Rao is an Indian film producer, filmmaker and actor Aamir Khan’s ex-wife. Back in November 2023, she attended a session wherein she spoke about the reality of women working in films and the portrayal of female characters in Indian films. A report by TOI claims that she cited examples of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Kabir Singh’ and SS Rajamouli’s ‘Bahubali’. However, the quotes in the report suggest that she only mentioned ‘Bahubali’ while talking about films glorifying stalking and misogyny.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently slammed Kiran Rao for criticising his films and asked her about the kind of content shown in Aamir Khan’s films, such as ‘Dil’. He also cited the example of the song ‘Khambe Jaisi Khadi Hai’, and asked Kiran Rao for accountability.
And now, in an interview, Kiran Rao addressed this issue. She claimed that she never explicitly mentioned Vanga’s films because she hasn’t watched any of his films. However, she spoke about misogyny and the representation of women on screen and as long as she sees a problem, she’s going to talk about it.
“I haven’t commented on Mr Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s films because I haven’t seen them. I have spoken on misogyny and the representation of women on screen on various platforms at various times. But, I have never taken the name of any film. It’s not really about a specific film. It’s really about the issues and I will continue to speak on these issues. Why Mr Vanga Reddy has assumed that I am talking about his film, you will have to ask him. I haven’t seen his films nor have I taken the name of any of his films,” she said.
Kiran Rao went on to add that Aamir Khan is one such celebrity who has apologised for his work that was called sexist or misogynistic.
“He is one of the few people who apologised, for specifically the song that Mr Vanga was talking about, which is ‘Khambe Jaisi Khadi Hai’ and other such films. There are very few people who would look at their body of work and apologise for something that they think is problematic in retrospect. There’s an episode in Satyameva Jayate Season 3 where he talks about this. He is one of the people who has stepped up and taken responsibility, as a creator and as a person speaking to a mass audience. That’s really laudable.”
She further urged Vanga to speak to Aamir Khan “man to man” if he has a problem with his work because she is not responsible for Aamir’s body of work.
“If Mr Reddy has something to say to Aamir, he should tell him man to man. I am not responsible for Aamir’s work or Aamir Khan. So, I wish Mr Reddy would address his questions directly to Mr Khan.”
Here’s a look at a video of Kiran Rao’s interview:
#KiranRao responds to @imvangasandeep's comment on #AamirKhan's 'Khambe jaisi khadi' song from Dil pic.twitter.com/0mHpMJQENM
— RAJ (@AamirsDevotee) February 5, 2024
People online lauded how gracefully she put across her point. Here’s how they reacted:
Difference between education and arrogance.
— NJ (@Nilzrav) February 5, 2024
Well mannered and incredibly articulate. Something which Vanga cannot be ever. Keep crying .@imvangasandeep
— No new name (@Godsfavsun) February 5, 2024
Sandeep Vanga is big cry baby. Who understands his films are problematic and has implications, but he’ll defend them anyway and his minions will defend him.
— ⚡ (@chaiaurcake1) February 5, 2024
Now that’s an Alpha response! 👏
— օʋɛʀʟօʀɖ (@NotThatVJ) February 5, 2024
Again .. such a direct and cultured response … now this is what is required for a collaborative & cohesive community… 👌🏻👍🏻
— Relaxing dude (@relaxingbud) February 5, 2024
Vanga shouldn’t mess with Aamir’s credibility as an actor. I love Vanga direction’s but his statements most of the times are very problematic. In a way to defend his films characters, he comes across exactly as someone who finds those characters not problematic.
— Slog Sweep-189 (@SloggSweep) February 5, 2024
What are your views on this issue? Tell us!