Summary
Highlights
Richa discusses her experience of growing up as the only girl in a joint family with four brothers. She says it made her tough because she wasn't highly feminized in that environment. Her mother later sent her to karate classes, to help her explore her feminine side.
The conversation shifts to the societal expectations placed on women, particularly around marriage and appearance. Richa shares anecdotes about being told what girls shouldn't do to attract a husband. She also mentions the inherent racism within her extended family, where being dark-skinned was considered a deterrent for girls.
Richa reveals her initial fears about becoming a mother, citing climate change, global issues, and the loss of independence. She emphasizes the importance of having an equal partner and challenges the tradition of women going to their mother's house for support after childbirth.
Richa expresses her hope to raise her daughter to be strong. She highlights the need to focus on raising sons to respect women and understand consent, emphasizing that gender equality relies on changing male attitudes and behaviors. She criticizes the tendency to control girls rather than educating boys.
The discussion turns to violence against women, starting from feticide and infanticide. Richa explains the illegality of revealing a child's gender in India due to the prevalence of families aborting female fetuses. She recounts stories of people wanting to know the gender of their child to ensure they had a male heir.
The conversation touches on Richa's roles and her performance in "Heeramandi". She discusses the layers of performativity expected of women, highlighting them in an iconic dance scene where her character is drunk. She emphasizes connecting to personal experiences of heartbreak and public rejection.
Richa and the interviewer discuss the importance of storytelling and media representation in influencing society. Richa shares her commitment to projects that tell important stories, even if they don't guarantee financial success. She mentions improvements in the Hindi cinema industry but pushes for more female crew members.
The conversation explores the role of women themselves in fostering gender equality. Richa emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and challenging internalized misogyny. She admits to discovering lingering biases even as an adult and shares a story about Frida Kahlo's desire for a son due to it being a man's world.
The interviewer compliments Richa's achievements, referring to her as a role model. Richa defines a successful woman as someone who can truly influence and make an impact in their lifetime or after.