Amitabh Bachchan overwhelmed with response for Pink

Pink is being hailed as the movie that could change the face of women empowerment in India. As he settles around the laurels his character in the movie is receiving, we caught up with Amitabh Bachchan, to talk about the success of Pink, his views on educating boys to not perpetrate violence against men and his open letter to his granddaughters. Edited excerpts:

Pink is more than a movie; it’s a movement. Did you expect such an impact No, we did not. But the kind of responses and the effect it has had on many individuals, especially women, has been overwhelming!

Pink’s collections have picked up tremendously over the weekend. Did you worry about the film’s reach at any point Word of mouth worked for the film. There was no deliberate and known practiced marketing done for the film, but somewhere, Shoojit had the confidence that when people see the film, they would react and spread the word. That’s exactly what happened.

Pink is a rallying point for women’s safety and will be used to promote women’s right and privilege to file an FIR. Thoughts Some ministers have seen it, as have eminent legal luminaries, and have given hope of changing certain laws governing women and their plight in filing FIRs. I think Deepak Sehgal in the film clarified a few misgivings. I do hope that they are brought to practice soon. What is under consideration, or has been put to law is that a woman can file a complaint at any given time of day and night, irrespective of holidays and weekends.

Just days after the movies release, in which the “no means no” argument has been put forth, a young woman in Delhi was stalked and stabbed. How do you think the rising growth of crime against women can be curbed That was an unfortunate incident. But, I do believe that a conscious effort in the process of education, moral and social policing shall bring results. Parental upbringing and inculcating of values among the young at an early age is a must.

We speak of fighting violence against women, but what about educating men to not perpetrate that violence Yes, the sons have to be educated too, and brought up in a manner that they understand the equality and non-discriminatory attitude that most men think is their birthright against women. Yes, the law favours the women, and there have been cases where its misuse has led to action against innocent men as well. But, hopefully, a balance shall prevail in time.

Your heartfelt open letter to your granddaughters provoked some to wonder why it had not been addressed to your grandson as well. If you read the letter, you shall find that it ostensibly addresses girls, but in doing so, it also sends a message to the boys.

Justice Katju recently made an uncalled comment on your intellectual faculties. What do you think brought that on and how do you deal with such attacks Why he made the remark should be asked of Justice Katju. In a free society, everyone has the liberty to express his or her opinion. I have merely agreed with his observation. He’s right; I really do not have anything in my head.