A viral video reportedly from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi has generated significant attention on the internet. This video portrays students engaging in a performance that recreates scenes from the romantic history of Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone. In the skit, a female student assumes the role of Deepika's character Mastani, placed at the centre of the stage, while male students surround her, each dressed as individuals connected to her past romantic life.
The underlying purpose of this performance appears to be a satirical take on the actress, particularly in response to her recent appearance on the television show Koffee With Karan. During this appearance, Deepika's views on 'casual' dating led to her becoming the subject of memes and jokes.
However, what commences as light-hearted teasing takes an unsettling turn as a group of BHU students intensifies the trolling to a questionable level, bordering on what can be described as 'slut shaming' the actress. They have named the performance 'Deepika ki Kahaani, BHU ki Zubaani,' embodying famous personalities she has been associated with.
The students go further by displaying photos of Dino Morea, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Siddharth Mallya, Ranbir Kapoor, and her husband Ranveer Singh on a screen behind them as they narrate the story. Since the video surfaced, it has faced significant backlash from the online community, with many criticising the university for allowing what seems like a theatrical 'character assassination' to take place at the college level.
One social media user expressed their discontent, saying, "Memes are okay, but this is character assassination of Indian actress Deepika Padukone! It reveals the mindset of the lowest kind! It's a shameful act!" This video has now garnered over a million views and sparked a discussion about the ethical boundaries of satire and public shaming.
Watch the full video here.
Why Men Attain Titles, But We Continue To Ridicule Women's Dating Choices
What makes this issue particularly troubling is the prevalence of slut-shaming, which is targeted at women. This practice not only damages their reputation but also undermines the significant hard work and talent that these women contribute to various fields. They are often reduced to discussions about their sex lives, and the internet can be harsh in subjecting them to constant judgment that is largely unrelated to their professional achievements.
Now, let's shift our perspective to the dating lives of the men featured in that video. Have you seen any skits or memes poking fun at them or questioning their choices? Probably not. In fact, quite the opposite happens. When a male actor, or any man for that matter, dates around or, heaven forbid, cheats, people are quick to celebrate it. They slap on titles like "legend" or "playboy" as if these guys are the second coming.
This glaring double standard is a clear manifestation of deep-seated misogyny. Some individuals can't stand the idea of a woman making her own choices and living life on her terms. They're threatened by her autonomy, her agency, and her control over her own narrative.
This double standard is not just unjust; it's a reflection of the broader societal issue where women are unfairly judged for actions that, when done by men, often go unscrutinised. It quickly labels women as promiscuous while portraying men as sexy. This concept is based on outdated and harmful stereotypes about gender roles, wherein women are expected to conform to a more conservative set of values. Unfortunately, women's dating lives are all too often the subject of ridicule in pop culture jokes.
In the case of BHU Varanasi, where a troubling incident occurred recently about sexual harassment of a student, it's disheartening that they seem to have not learned anything from it. It's appalling that they prioritise brainstorming such insensitive skits over ensuring the safety and well-being of their students.
Ultimately, the true measure of an educational institution's worth is not the performances it puts on but the environment it creates. It's about making sure that every student feels secure, respected, and valued. This should be the focus, not indulging in cheap skits that add insult to injury.
Personal views expressed by the author are their own
Suggested Reading: Deepika Padukone’s Professional Highs Need To Be Discussed, Not Her Marriage To Ranveer Singh
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