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How do I recover money sent to the wrong UPI? Start a chargeback process. Here are the 3 steps you should take to reclaim your hard-earned money
Imagine finding yourself in a situation where you intended to send money to a friend’s account, only to realize that it ended up in the hands of a complete stranger due to a striking similarity in UPI IDs. What steps would you take to reclaim your hard-earned money?
Fear not, as I’m here to guide you through the process.
This incident recently unfolded in my own life. While attempting to transfer funds to a friend via UPI, I inadvertently directed the money to an unfamiliar account.
Determined to retrieve my funds, I delved into extensive research to explore potential solutions. That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of chargeback—a powerful tool that empowers individuals to reclaim erroneously directed payments.
The chargeback process hinges on your bank’s ability to request the recipient bank to reverse the transaction and credit the amount back to the originating account.
It is crucial to initiate this process within a 30-day window, a standard deadline from the date of the erroneous payment. It’s worth noting that the complaint filing deadline may vary depending on the card network, be it Visa, Rupay, or Mastercard.
To kickstart the chargeback process, one must submit a written complaint to their respective bank. This complaint should include vital details such as the reference number or transaction ID of the payment in question.
It’s imperative to clearly outline when (date) and to whom (UPI ID of the recipient) the payment was made. Upon filing the complaint, the bank will furnish you with a unique complaint number—guard this number with care.
In most cases, the credited amount should be reflected in your account within 15-20 working days.
However, should this not transpire, don’t hesitate to reach out to your bank and with the help of the complaint number, you can inquire about the status of your case.
Should the bank fail to provide satisfactory answers regarding your complaint, take matters into your own hands. Visit the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) website, where you can file a formal complaint.
The NPCI, an organization established under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, of 2007, oversees retail payments and settlement systems in India.
If your grievance remains unresolved after 30 days, customers have the option to approach the Banking Ombudsman (B.O.) for further assistance. You can find the relevant details on your bank’s website.
In navigating this challenging process, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of persistence and empowerment.
It’s crucial for women to be informed and proactive when faced with financial challenges. Remember, your money is your hard-earned asset, and you have every right to fight for its rightful return. Stay strong, stay informed, and let no obstacle deter you from reclaiming what is rightfully yours.
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Image source: CanvaPro
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In a world where dreams often feel distant and unattainable, there are those who stand out as beacons of inspiration. Savi Sharma, a young woman from Surat, made a bold decision at the age of 25. She chose to set aside her Chartered Accountancy studies and instead set out on a journey as a storyteller. What unfolded is a remarkable narrative of aspiration, determination, and the incredible impact of the written word. Savi Sharma’s books have not only won the hearts of readers but have also kindled a sense of hope and possibility in the lives of countless individuals. This is the story of an inspirational storyteller who is making a difference, one book at a time.
Savi Sharma’s debut novel, “Everyone Has a Story,” tells the tale of dreams, friendship, hope, love, and life. What’s remarkable is that she self-published this inspirational gem, and it was later acquired by Westland Publications. Since its release in June 2016, more than 250,000 copies of her debut novel have found their way into the hands of eager readers, making it India’s fastest-selling debut novel.
In February 2017, Savi Sharma continued her journey of touching hearts and minds with her second novel, “This is Not Your Story.” It was an instant bestseller, with over 150,000 copies sold and garnered rave reviews. Her books resonate with readers, reminding them that life’s beauty lies in the stories we create.
Through The Happiness Story, she shares her learnings and experiences in search of true happiness. In 2018, Savi Sharma gifts to book readers with “Everyone Has a Story – 2,” a much-anticipated sequel to her hugely successful debut. Her words continue to inspire and uplift spirits and her books have become beacons of hope for those who dare to dream.
Beyond her novels, Savi Sharma’s success story has become a beacon of light for countless individuals. She has encouraged people to chase their dreams, face failures with resilience, and most importantly, believe in the power of love to transform their lives. Her impact extends far beyond her literary achievements.
With over 7.5 lakh followers on various social media platforms, Savi Sharma’s reach is significant. She has embraced her mission: to inspire millions. She is not just an author; she is a guide for those seeking purpose and positivity in their lives.
In addition to her writing, Savi Sharma is the co-founder of the motivational media blog, “Life & People,” where she shares insights on positivity, meditation, the law of attraction, and spirituality. Her words are not confined to the pages of a book; they reverberate across the digital landscape, touching the hearts of readers worldwide.
Savi Sharma’s journey is a testament to the extraordinary power of following one’s passion. Her story reminds us that life’s true essence lies in the stories we tell and the dreams we chase. In a world full of doubt and uncertainty, she is a shining example of how one person’s determination and belief can inspire countless others to pen their own life stories.
As we eagerly await more tales from Savi Sharma’s creative pen, her life remains a testament to the incredible journeys that begin with a single, brave step.
Indeed, everyone has a story, and Savi Sharma is proof that those stories have the power to change the world.
In a world that constantly strives for progress and equality, it’s disheartening to witness the challenges faced by straight women who passionately support the LGBTQ+ community. And these women are often subject to labels such as “Performative Activist” and “Alphabet Warrior,” without their genuine dedication and empathy being truly acknowledged.
It’s high time we reflect on the prejudices and judgments they encounter and appreciate their heartfelt commitment to a marginalized community.
Advocating for a marginalized community is not an easy path. It requires a deep understanding of the struggles faced by that community and a commitment to amplifying their voices. For women who stand with the LGBTQ+ community, this commitment often comes from a place of empathy, respect, and a desire to contribute positively to a more inclusive society.
But, being a straight ally to the LGBTQ+ community is far from a straightforward journey. The skepticism rooted in societal norms and biases, undermines the sincerity of their support and perpetuates an environment of misunderstanding.
Read more: How To Be A LGBTQIA Ally As A Straight Woman?
A disconcerting aspect of this issue is the scrutiny that unmarried straight women face when they express their support for LGBTQ+ rights. It’s as though society cannot reconcile the idea of a woman being both single and empathetic. And these judgments stem from a need to fit individuals into narrow, predefined boxes, failing to recognize the complexity and fluidity of human experiences.
Why does supporting the marginalized have to be seen as a precursor to questioning someone’s sexuality or relationship status? This questioning speaks more to society’s biases than to the individual’s true intentions.
Read more: 4 Jaw-Dropping Judgements Of 2018 That Will Pave The Way For Equality
The moral police and pseudo-intellectuals who rush to judge a woman’s sexuality based on her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community perpetuate a culture of prejudice. This not only stifles individual expression but also undermines the very principles of equality and acceptance that we, as a society, strive to uphold.
It is imperative that we move beyond these preconceived notions and embrace the diversity of perspectives and orientations that contribute to the rich tapestry of human experience.
Read more: How I Went From Not Knowing Anything About The LGBTQIA+ Community To A Staunch Ally
Empathy and understanding are the cornerstones of a truly inclusive society. Women who support LGBTQ+ rights should be acknowledged for their contributions, not ridiculed for their intentions.
Society should strive to break free from the limitations of labels and appreciate the diversity of motivations that drive individuals to advocate for marginalized communities. By fostering an environment of acceptance and open-mindedness, we can ensure that everyone’s commitment to equality is recognized and celebrated.
Read more: Let’s Talk Of Constitutional And Legal Rights Of The LGBTQIA+ Community In India
Back then, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly courageously voiced her concerns about the treatment of LGBTQ+ supporters. She shed light on the additional burden borne by straight women who choose to stand with the LGBTQ+ community.
And how their support often goes unnoticed or is overshadowed by more sensational narratives, making their genuine advocacy a hidden treasure. It’s only now, that her words resonates with countless individuals who, despite their straight orientation, wholeheartedly stand by the LGBTQ+ community.
Women who passionately advocate for LGBTQ+ rights are a testament to the evolving social fabric of acceptance and love. They should not be shackled by labels and judgments but celebrated for their unyielding support of a marginalized community.
Let us, as a society, move beyond the misconceptions and stereotypes and focus on the core principles of the LGBTQ+ rights movement—equality, justice, and the fundamental right to be who you are. In doing so, we uplift the unsung heroes who, despite the societal weight against them, stand resolutely with their LGBTQ+ friends, family, and fellow humans in the pursuit of a more inclusive world.
Annual festivities for Hindus have begun, starting with the day of Ganpati to the nine days of Navratri which will last until Bhai-Dooj, every festival has a purpose of its own. They keep belief of culture still relevant for our times.
I love every bit of it.
In all this, there is a particular customary festival that many Indian women take pride in. And to celebrate this day they might indulge in shopping for clothes, buying jewellery, putting henna, and even getting some makeover done to look prettier on the D-Day i.e. ‘Karvachauth’.
While this is a great way to keep our Indian economy thriving and help entrepreneurs run successful business with themes that specially centre around the festivity. But inside my head, I have been questioning all these practices since childhood.
Why don’t men fast for women, don’t they need us to live long and healthy life in order to complete joint responsibilities? Or should I say, the older customs did not feel that women were important enough and just left them as they were centuries back; festival that care for men’s health only.
But with times, my direction and outlook changed towards the festival.
With women occupying more and more place in corporate world and other fields; on this day they either attend office for limited time or will not be working at all to complete the chores related to this festival. And they will also pray the whole day for her spouse’s long and healthy life, while keeping a fast.
I am personally fan of this day and celebration, but finding context to something that has very little significance in today’s time; where women are fighting their own battles at work front, managing personal priorities, and in all this they are looking after their own career growth for longer run.
Do all these ‘fasts’ really matter?
If it had to make sense, then, ‘Karva’ should be replaced by ‘Career.’ That will help resolve a lot of the issues related to purpose. For what we are living in today’s world?
Replace ‘Karva’ with ‘Career’ to give that support and strengthen to what she wants. What she wants to achieve at professional side of things, empower her to make decisions at relationship level and around life.
Please see this as an article as an outlook which needs to be brought in our lives. Not to just help women in the house, but also grant her spouse to live longer. If the wife works in a healthy environment, he too can live with less financial burdens and reduced emotional stress; fewer liabilities implies no stress to equate for a longer and happy life.
This will not just help the spouse secure a good life, but also motivate them to raise kids who are smarter and empowered to improve the family’s future status, making it a workable and happy arrangement for all.
Trigger Warning: This deals with domestic violence and may be triggering for survivors.
“Lata, you have again worn this white colour suit? You know I don’t like such colours. Why dress like a widow when I am still alive! You want me dead or what?” Dev taunted her.
“No no… why are you talking like this? I like this colour, but I will go and change. Please don’t say such things.”
Lata, draped in white sari, sitting near the photo of late Mr Dev, was reminiscing about this incident. Dev passed away this morning. He was her world, her duty, her schedule. 20 years of being in a bond, now she was alone.
Lately, Dev’s health had been deteriorating. He was on medicines. Medicines that Lata had to give without fail. Lying in bed each second of every passing day felt confining. Lata was always there, beside him. She didn’t know exactly what she was waiting for.
Lata Sen was a B.Com graduate, trained classical dancer and an avid reader. She also used to write. Once when she was in seventh grade, she had written an essay on “How population growth affects environment”. She had won the competition and her essay was printed in her school magazine. She had brought that magazine with her when she got married to Mr Sharma at the age of 21. People now call her Mrs Dev Sharma.
She got up and went to their room. It felt like a prison. Had it always been like this? She opened her cupboard and took out her pair of ghunghroos which were boxed up here for 18 years. Dev never liked her dancing, he felt it was not elite. She started banging her ghunghroo on the floor, initially slowly, eventually with best of her force until it broke into innumerable pieces. Sitting on the floor, she sobbed. She cried. She yelled. She was numb. She smiled. She laughed.
“I think you don’t get to decide what is freedom for someone else. But you were doing that for me, Dev. Eventually, I did the same for you. You didn’t need these medicines, you were in pain. I set you free.” Lata thought.
She sat comfortably on the bed, opened her book. It was the same magazine, torn around the edges, still had the capability to fix her. She gave a silent read to her essay, then aloud. She wanted to prove to each corner what she is capable of.
She stared at the vacant room, it didn’t feel like prison anymore.
Twenty years of being in chains, now she was free.
From Mrs Dev Sharma to Lata Sen – B.Com graduate, trained classical dancer and an avid reader.
Published here first.
Image source: a still from the film Agnisakshi
Kanika sat, back straight, eyes fixed on her computer screen, fingers flying over the keyboard in a quiet cubicle in Bengaluru’s towering tech park. Around her, a sea of similar cubicles filled with men who seemed to wear their stubble as a badge of their overtime hours.
“Kanika,” Her supervisor Rajan’s voice sliced through her concentration, “we’re pushing for a major update by next Friday.”
She turned, offering a polite nod, “I’ll manage it within the regular work hours, sir.”
Rajan’s smile was thin, unconvincing, “Let’s aim to exceed expectations, shall we?”
The unsaid hung heavy between them as he walked away.
As dusk fell, Kanika’s colleagues began their nightly ritual of stretching, coffee refills, and settling back into their chairs. Kanika shut down her system, her tasks for the day complete.
“Leaving already?” A voice laced with mock surprise cut through the air.
“Day’s not over, Kanika. Dedication means burning the midnight oil,” said Rajan, his words a common refrain in this high-rise chamber of the city’s most prestigious tech firm.
“I’ve finished my part,” Kanika replied, her voice steady, “The project’s on schedule.”
A snicker traveled from the back, “Sure, but we stay. We show commitment.”
It wasn’t a policy, just an unspoken rule: the later you stayed, the more you cared.
“But—”
Rajan held up his hand, “Family waiting?”
She nodded. Her little girl, Tanya, had an art competition at school. A moment not to miss.
“Work is also your family, Kanika,” Rajan said pointedly.
Kanika gathered her things, the weight of a hundred stares upon her. The whispers were feathers and stones, fleeting yet heavy.
Outside, the sky blushed as the sun dipped. Kanika’s heart raced. She wouldn’t miss Tanya’s art competition. Not this time.
“My work for today is done,” Kanika replied, her tone even.
At home, her world transformed. Her mother needed her care, hands trembling with Parkinson’s, and her daughter, Tanya, awaited her stories and her warmth. They were her reasons, her life beyond the code and workplace.
The next day brought more of the same, Rajan’s pointed looks, her colleagues’ whispers. “Kanika, the team often stays late; it reflects commitment,” Rajan remarked during a meeting.
“I am committed to my work here and at home,” she countered, voice steady despite the racing of her heart.
“Sometimes, commitment means extra hours,” he retorted.
“My commitment is to both my work and my family. Shouldn’t that be the norm?”
A murmur of agreement began to swell.
Rajan’s authority wavered, “But the extra hours—”
“Are extra,” Kanika finished, “Not a measure of my dedication.”
Kanika’s life was a balancing act, but the scales were tipped unfairly against her. She worked through lunches, her efficiency unmatched, yet it was the empty hours after sunset that seemed to measure dedication in her manager’s eyes.
Her resilience waned as the pattern continued, the comments growing sharper, the glares colder. Then came the day that broke her silence. “Kanika, this behavior might hinder your career,” Rajan warned after summoning her to his office.
“Sir, should I apologize for efficiently managing my tasks? For being there for my family?” Her voice, usually soft, grew firm.
“You know, Kanika,” chided Varun, one of the senior developers, during a team lunch, “clients don’t care about your ‘personal time’. They want commitment.”
“Commitment isn’t measured by overtime,” Kanika retorted, her fork paused mid-air. “It’s measured by the work done during the committed hours.”
Laughter erupted around the table, a harsh symphony that seemed to mock the very principles she stood for.
“Try telling that to the boss,” Varun smirked, his words an echo of the larger sentiment.
The turning point came when a prestigious project was announced. It was the kind of project that could accelerate careers, and Kanika’s expertise made her a natural choice. Yet, when the team was announced, her name was conspicuously absent.
Confusion furrowed her brow as she knocked on the door of Rajan, the Project Manager.
“You wanted to see me?” Kanika inquired, stepping into the office lined with accolades that felt as distant as her name from the project list.
“Yes, Kanika. Take a seat,” Rajan gestured, his hands clasped together as if holding the weight of his words. “See, you’re not on the project because it requires… how do I put it? More time than you’re willing to give.”
“My work has never suffered from my work-life balance,” Kanika defended.
“It’s not about suffering, it’s about sacrifice,” Mr. Rajan replied, his words striking like a gavel, sealing her fate.
Kanika’s eyes held a fire that hadn’t been there before. “Sacrifice? I work as hard as anyone here. But I won’t normalize a culture that equates exhaustion with excellence.”
Rajan’s face remained unmoved, as if cast from the very glass that adorned the building.
“This is the industry standard,” he said.
“This standard is unfair and outdated,” she replied. “I stand by my quality of work, not the quantity of hours spent in an office chair.”
The discussion ended with pleasantries as empty as the chair that should have held her place in the project room.
Word of the conversation spread like a monsoon storm, and whispers swirled around Kanika like leaves in the wind. She could sense the change in the air, the shift in glances, the hushed tones that fell silent as she passed.
But instead of bowing her head to the tempest, Kanika chose to face it. She called for a meeting, a gathering of minds and hearts in the conference room that smelled of instant coffee and unspoken truths.
“I’ve called you all here not to defend my work ethic, but to challenge a toxic idea,” Kanika began, her voice steady as the foundations of the building.
The room was still, her colleagues’ eyes locked onto hers, a silent audience to her soliloquy.
“We’re in the business of innovation,” she continued, “yet we cling to outdated notions that long hours equal hard work. I refuse to accept that. And I believe we all deserve better.”
Her words were met with silence, a contemplative hush that was soon broken by a lone clap from the back. It was Priya, the HR representative, her applause a lone ray of light that soon ignited others.
The meeting ended not with solutions, but with questions, the kind that lingered in the air long after the room had emptied.
Kanika’s stand didn’t dismantle the walls of gender norms overnight, nor did it change the mind of every colleague. But it planted seeds of change, little pockets of thought that grew with each passing day, each clocked-out hour.
Her stand made ripples that turned into waves, and though Kanika Sharma wasn’t on the prestigious project, her legacy was something far greater. She was the light that guided TechSavvy Solutions towards a harbor where the worth of work wasn’t measured by the clock, but by the integrity and passion infused into every line of code. And in that truth, Kanika found not just victory, but vindication.
***
Change was slow, like the seasons. But Kanika held her ground.
A year later, Rajan retired. The new supervisor, Mrs. Joshi, called her first meeting.
“Our policy is changing. Family is important. Your time is valuable. Work within work hours, live outside them,” Joshi announced.
Kanika felt the tide turn, a current of fresh thoughts washing over old mindsets.
The office clock struck six, and for the first time, it wasn’t a signal to stay but a reminder that there was life after work.
Tanya, Kanika’s little daughter’s drawings now had a figure who was always there — ‘Mommy’.
The world of cinema has evolved significantly over the years, and with it, the portrayal of women on the big screen. Gone are the days when women were confined to passive, one-dimensional roles in film. The Exorcist: Believer (2023), the latest instalment in the iconic “Exorcist” franchise, serves as a testament to the transformation of women’s roles in cinema.
This essay explores the theme of women’s empowerment in the movie and how it contributes to reshaping traditional gender dynamics in the horror genre.
One of the most notable aspects of The Exorcist: Believer is its refusal to adhere to the traditional stereotypes often associated with female characters in horror films. In the past, women were frequently portrayed as helpless victims, damsels in distress, or mere props to advance the male protagonist’s storyline.
However, this film takes a bold step in the opposite direction.
Angela, portrayed brilliantly by Olivia Marcum, is at the forefront of the narrative. A young girl grappling with the loss of her mother, Angela embarks on a quest of self-discovery and empowerment. Her courage and determination drive the story, breaking free from the conventional horror film trope of women as passive observers.
Katherine, Angela’s best friend, portrayed by Lidya Jewett, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Katherine is not merely a supporting character; she is a source of strength and resilience. Her character is instrumental in confronting the supernatural forces at play, showcasing the kind of resilience rarely seen in horror films.
Ann, the compassionate nurse neighbour played by Ann Dowd, is another example of the film’s commitment to portraying women as powerful figures. Ann’s resourcefulness and unwavering dedication to helping Angela and her father play a crucial role in unravelling the plot’s mysteries.
“The Exorcist: Believer” also revisits the iconic characters of Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) and Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) from the original “Exorcist.” Both characters continue to symbolize strength and resilience, but their roles have evolved significantly. Chris, now a renowned expert on exorcisms, showcases her transformation from a distressed mother to a formidable figure in the world of supernatural research.
Regan’s journey from being a possessed child to a survivor and a symbol of resilience is a testament to the film’s theme of female empowerment. The reunion between Chris and Regan in the film serves as a powerful moment of forgiveness and reconciliation, highlighting the strength of their bond.
In an industry often criticized for its portrayal of women, The Exorcist: Believer represents a positive shift in the horror genre. The film empowers its female characters, allowing them to take centre stage, shape the narrative, and make significant contributions to the story’s overall impact.
The Exorcist: Believer challenges the age-old stereotypes of women in horror films and presents a refreshing take on female empowerment. Through well-written characters and compelling performances, the movie demonstrates that women can be strong, resilient, and central to the horror genre’s storytelling.
As cinema continues to evolve, it is crucial to celebrate and encourage such positive representations of women’s power on screen, ultimately reshaping the landscape of film for the better.
I remember the feeling.
The joy.
The excitement.
Of walking across the road with my hand held in the firm grip of my mother’s.
I was as euphoric as flying to the moon.
I was going to buy my first book.
Oh, what a grown-up feeling it was.
My mother, a voracious reader herself, announced the moment she came from office. “Let us buy you a book today,” she said. And poor her, there was not a moment of peace after that. Jumping up and down with excitement, I begged her to take me that very minute. “At least, let me have my tea,” she said.
How could she sit and have a cup of tea when I just wanted to jump across the road to Natraj Book Centre, right across our home. But I had no option. Impatiently, I waited and she had to gulp the tea down seeing my restlessness.
Hand in hand, my mother and me crossed the road across to the book store feeling oh-so smug and important. And what a feast it was to the eyes of a 10-year old. Rows and rows of books, beckoning, inviting.
So which book should I read? An Enid Blyton of course.
My generation was born and bred on Enid Blyton. The master author churning out books of all genres. The Famous Five. The Secret Seven. The Five Find outers, The Naughtiest Girl, and what not. She was our magic escape from reality. The one we devoured during holidays.
And when we grew up, there were other famous series by other authors: Hardy Boys, the Nancy Drew’s and comics of Mandrake (the mansion of Xanadu) , Phantom and Richie Rich (the poor little rich boy). Life was simpler, reading uncomplicated.
So back to the book store, where I was standing wide-eyed and wondrous at the new world in front of me. After a lot of serious discussions with mom and both of us perusing the back cover for details, I finally zeroed on.
‘The children of the cherry tree farm’
Honestly, I do not remember much of the book. But I remember the sense of pride and ownership I felt when I crossed the road back. Clutching the book under my arm, refusing to let go, head high to being graduated as a book owner. I just could not wait to reach the sanctuary of my home and pen down my name on the first page of the book to stamp my ownership of the same.
I went excitedly to my dad and brother showing off my prized acquisiton. Born into a family of voracious readers, I was just following a lineage, which I was lucky to be blessed with.
I experience the same sense of happiness when, today I see any young kid in a bookstore pestering their parents to buy them books. In today’s digital world, where everything is just a click away and temptations so many on the phone, it must be a super task to inculcate reading habits into children.
For me, it is life come to a full circle, when my daughter are lounging about with books in their hand. Cause, who can resist the power of the written?
Koffee with Karan Season 8 started with a bang and how! People cannot stop talking about the first episode with Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.
Here’s a quick roundup!
Karan Johar’s teary reaction after watching Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s video was so wholesome that you want to give him a big hug. If Akon’s song ‘Lonely’ had a face, this moment would be it!
For someone who’s never understood mental health until I witnessed closely how it can affect even the strongest of our loved ones, and the effectiveness of therapy, it’s important to have celebrities with the power to influence the masses to be open about it. Deepika Padukone and Karan Johar shared their mental health journeys while Ranveer Singh spoke from his experience as a caregiver. I’ll reserve this for your viewing with no spoilers.
I don’t think India has still understood the magnitude of mental health problems and my next point proves it.
Deepika Padukone’s trolling shows us exactly what’s wrong with our society and how we don’t care about the wellbeing of our women.
Here’s a woman who’s baring her heart out and speaking of her mental health issues, which was so bad that she wanted to take her life. And all that our masses can talk about is her open relationships while she was dating.
This is exactly the moral policing we force upon our women even if they’re overburdened, overstressed, and lack access to healthcare services on time. All we care about as a society is the ‘honour’ that lies between the legs of our women and how men must protect it at all costs. Damn her health and wellbeing!
Deepika Padukone is no stranger to trolling. She was trolled in her past for her cleavage comment, Vogue ‘My Choice’ video, her support for the JNU students, and more. It’s not affected her success, and she continues to be one of the top actresses in Bollywood.
But yes, let’s continue to slut-shame her while her spouse and parents have absolutely no issues.
Here’s where a perfectly enjoyable episode might have lost the plot and have everyone questioning the authenticity of it all.
Ranveer’s questionable actions
First, there was Ranveer Singh’s video that floated around where he used the same story as when he first met Anushka Sharma and Deepika Padukone. It was hilarious to watch the video. The same template is repurposed for different girls. What made it even more hilarious was Anushka Sharma’s reaction, calling it too filmy and rolling her eyes—definitely not impressed one bit. In fact, it irked her how he named her while she didn’t want to have anything else to do with him, apart from professional reasons.
It’s not the first time Ranveer Singh’s bluff has been called out. Jim Sarbh spoke out against actors who exaggerate about their acting preparation hinting at Ranveer Singh via his accent and mannerisms. The two worked together in Padmavaat.
It also seemed pretentious when Ranveer Singh claimed his dream “was not to be a Bollywood actor, but to marry Deepika Padukone”. He came across as boastful and superficial to me when he claimed no one can replicate Deepika Padukone because “look at those proportions”. I mean, of all her accomplishments, all you can think of is her insane proportions, which is the myopic beauty standard for all runway models?! I don’t think it was flattering at all. She’s more than your trophy wife, dude!
Also, what’s with the endless kissing on the shoulder of his wife? It can only mean two things. Either he really means it or he’s trying way too hard. There’ve been rumours of their open marriage and of him (not the only Bollywood actor though) being extra touchy-feely with foreign models especially, as they’re perceived as an ‘easy conquest’.
While infidelity is no marriage breaker in Bollywood, you cannot help rolling your eyes when the guests and the host (who’s gained a reputation for making non-apologist movies on infidelity) give you a sermon on monogamy. Much like the white-washing of Ranbir Kapoor in the last season as the sanskaari boy who asked his wife, ‘Jai karna aata hai!’ What’s the next conjecture—projecting Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt as the Ram-Sita of Bollywood in his Koffee show?
Deepika and her uncanny ability to make the dumbest statements
Then, there’s the curious case of Deepika Padukone and her uncanny ability to make the dumbest statements. If I thought her unprovoked statement on making babies with Vin Diesel, her much married co-star in her head, was the dumbest thing to say on an international talk show like the Ellen show, it looks like she has learned no better. It’s no wonder her acting career in Hollywood was so short-lived. If xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage was her weakest performance to date, she couldn’t speak intelligently to make up for it and salvage her career there. That’s where Priyanka Chopra aced because she spoke sense and with power.
No wonder Ranveer Singh’s expressions every time Deepika Padukone made a WT$ statement became meme-material comparing him to Will Smith. But notice how it’s the men who’ve bagged all the sympathy and the women are trolled. The overall impression is that Ranveer Singh and Will Smith played faithful partners to unfaithful girlfriends or spouses—which may or may not be the truth.
While the trolling and slut-shaming of Deepika Padukone is wholly wrong, she might have just done Ranbir Kapoor, her ex-boyfriend, the biggest favour.
While Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone revealed being engaged in 2015 and in an open relationship before that, there are old reports and videos surfacing again, questioning Deepika Padukone’s narrative about Ranbir Kapoor. One, an old video of hers, where she claims to be a completely loyal girlfriend who doesn’t understand the concept of open relationships. There are old reports of her crying foul on public television over Ranbir Kapoor’s infidelity, garnering public sympathy, all the while dating multiple men. She can no longer accuse Ranbir Kapoor of playing around with her emotions or dating other women when she plays the same relationship games, too. It’s like if Ranbir Kapoor does it, he’s ‘character-dheela’, but if Deepika Padukone does it, it’s ‘her choice’.
Finally, the monotonous makeover of Ranveer Singh and KJo was suspect because I don’t think their makeover will last for long. As was the complete absence of Ranveer Singh’s much-discussed nude photoshoot for Paper magazine last year.
All said and done, I think Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh make a great couple because of their similar worldview, and their relationship is rooted in friendship and good-will. They seem content by themselves, even without children in the equation. That’s beautiful, and whatever arrangement they have, it works for them. To each their own relationship dynamics!
But yes, please stop the relationship advice and sermons, especially on monogamy. The audience is perfectly well without it and knows much better too. Really! Spare us the hypocrisy, please!
As for us, audience, can we end the misogynistic trolling and focus on the more burning issue that is mental health, which this episode actually got right?
In today’s world, the battle for gender equality is ongoing, and the workplace is often considered a battleground where this struggle takes center stage. Despite significant strides toward inclusivity, there’s one great challenge that women continue to face in corporate settings-that’s the glass ceiling. Breaking the glass ceiling is the way to go.
The glass ceiling is an invisible barrier that limits the career advancement of women, and it’s something we must all understand and work to shatter but it seems little tough.
The term “glass ceiling” was coined to describe the invisible, yet very real, barrier that prevents women from ascending to top leadership positions within organizations.
It is a symbol of the gender-based hurdles women face in their professional lives. While we cannot see it physically, its effects are tangible, and it restricts women from reaching the highest levels of corporate power.
The glass ceiling exists due to a complex interplay of factors, including societal expectations, gender biases, and traditional gender roles. Let us take a closer look at some of these key factors:
Unconscious Bias:
We all have unconscious biases that affect our perceptions and decisions. These biases can lead to the misconception that women are less capable or committed to their careers, resulting in a lack of opportunities for promotions.
Stereotypes:
Gender stereotypes often lead women to certain roles or abilities, which can lead to women being overlooked for leadership positions.
Lack of Representation:
When there are fewer women in leadership roles, it reinforces the perception that women do not belong there. This lack of representation can discourage women from pursuing leadership roles.
Work-Life Balance:
Women are often seen as less committed to their careers due to family responsibilities. This can hinder their progress within an organization.
The journey for women to reach the top of the corporate ladder is laden with challenges:
While the glass ceiling is a formidable challenge, it is not indestructible. Many organizations are actively working at breaking the glass ceiling and create more inclusive workplaces. Here are some strategies to accelerate this process:
When women are given equal opportunities to rise within organizations, it benefits not only them but also the organizations themselves. A diverse leadership team brings fresh perspectives and creativity to problem-solving, leading to better decision-making and innovation. It also enhances employee morale and engagement.
In conclusion, breaking the glass ceiling is not just a matter of fairness; it is a strategic imperative for organizations in the 21st century. Women bring valuable skills, insights, and leadership qualities to the table, and it is time to recognize and celebrate their contributions. By breaking down the barriers that hold women back, we create a more equitable and successful future for all.
The glass ceiling is a challenge, but it is one that we can overcome, step by step, as we work together to create a more inclusive and diverse corporate landscape.
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