In India, across cultures, women are often prohibited from performing the last rites of their family members and are even kept away from going to funeral homes. But, this age-old tradition is becoming passe now.
And that’s because of people like Mandira Bedi who denied conforming to such regressive traditions. Bedi bid her late husband, Raj Kaushal, a teary adieu by performing his last rites.
Now, ‘Dulhe Raja’ actor Raveena Tandon, is being lauded online for breaking gender stereotypes by performing the last rites of her father.
Several videos of her doing the final puja for her dad have made it online.
This is how people reacted:
Respect. 🙏 https://t.co/Z7ACYs9QHu
— ABHIJEET SINGH (@aksiiita06) February 11, 2022
This is beyond beautiful. Every religion needs reforms. https://t.co/paT7wtYxis
— Tarun (@wakeupnomore) February 11, 2022
When my father died, I did not go to the graveyard. Women in my family do not go to the graveyard.
My father wouldn't have approved, if he were alive. https://t.co/nuFSn4icvq— Ordinary Person (@ordinarperson01) February 11, 2022
These rituals must base themselves on the love for the person & not discrimination cuz someone said so or it had been so… if she felt tht kinda love & respect for him, then she must… Happy for her & may the soul rest in peace ☮️
— AshScribbles! (@AshSorted) February 11, 2022
Tandon lost her father, filmmaker Ravi Tandon, on Friday morning at the age of 87, reported Hindustan Times. Taking to social media, she shared multiple photos with her dad and wrote:
You will always walk with me , I will always be you, I’m never letting go. Love you papa.
She called him a ‘pillar of strength’ and wrote this lengthy post in his memory.
Sending you love and strength. May his soul rest in peace.