On Tuesday (December 18), Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with Bollywood actors and producers at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. It is reported that the issues concerning the film industry were discussed in the meeting.
Heartfelt thank you to the honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi ji for taking out time to hear us at length, discuss issues pertaining to our industry and assuring positive consideration of suggestions. pic.twitter.com/ShGfr0Jlvu
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 18, 2018
However, this ‘extensive and fruitful interaction’ earned the wrath of the public as there were no women as part of the delegation. Actress Dia Mirza has slammed Akshay Kumar and PM Narendra Modi for being part of an all-men meeting.
Soon after Akshay Kumar posted a photo from the meeting and detailed what all went on, Dia reacted to the post and questioned as to why no women were present in the room. “This is wonderful! Is there a reason why there were no women in this room?” read her tweet. In a consecutive tweet, Dia asked as to how the entire film industry is being represented by men.
This is wonderful! Is there a reason why there were no women in this room? @akshaykumar https://t.co/oO9teT3Gyi
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) December 19, 2018
Producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Karan Johar, Rakesh Roshan, Ronnie Screwwala, Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and Sidharth Roy Kapoor, the president of the Film Producers Guild were part of the exclusive meeting. Actors and producers Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar made their presence as well.
Had an extensive and fruitful interaction with a delegation from the film and entertainment industry.
The delegation spoke about the strides being made by the film and entertainment industry, and gave valuable inputs relating to GST for their sector. https://t.co/ulQMtxTJQj pic.twitter.com/n4Dn38EJLr
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2018
She added that it’s not about competition but it’s a fundamental thing. “If we hope to achieve equality we must be included in all conversations! Of course, women are doing well. We are doing well despite the fact that we are excluded. And doesn’t that need to change?” wrote Dia.
True. Wish one of the men had asked this question. How can an entire Industry be represented only by men? https://t.co/SqeRGFT3FV
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) December 20, 2018
It’s not about competition! It’s such a fundamental thing. If we hope to achieve equality we must be included in all conversations! Of course women are doing well. We are doing well despite the fact that we are excluded. And doesn’t that need to change? https://t.co/D9ug3OG55U
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) December 20, 2018
Actor Pooja Hegde joined in the conversation and lauded Dia for asking the question.
I’m so glad you see the merit in the question @hegdepooja https://t.co/epIquyvRMO
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) December 20, 2018
Sandhya Mridul, too, reacted to Akshay Kumar’s post and wrote, “Great. We women have no issues to discuss. Obviously.”
Great. We women have no issues to discuss. Obviously. https://t.co/iOlwnd7sZB
— Sandhya Mridul (@sandymridul) December 19, 2018
Yesterday, Twitter was flooded with angry posts over the fact that no women were invited to be part of the delegation.
