In the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly took to social media to share her own harrowing experiences with sexual harassment. She used her platform to highlight the pervasive problem of victim-blaming, a societal issue that often silences and shames survivors.
Jaitly began her story by sharing a picture of herself from when she was in sixth grade, recounting how boys from a nearby university began to catcall her on her way home from school. Despite her attempts to ignore them, the harassment escalated to the point where they started throwing stones at her. Instead of receiving support, Jaitly was told by a teacher that the harassment was her fault because she was “too westernised” and didn’t dress modestly.
She went on to reveal that a man exposed himself to her at that same age, and for years, she blamed herself, internalizing the teacher’s words. In high school, her scooter’s brake wires were cut after she refused to acknowledge boys who harassed her. The school authorities, instead of addressing the incident, blamed her for her “forward” behavior and her choice of clothing.
Throughout these traumatic experiences, Jaitly was constantly made to feel responsible for the actions of her harassers. She shared how her grandfather, a retired Colonel who had fought in two wars, was forced to escort her to and from school due to the harassment she faced. The boys even made derogatory remarks about her grandfather, further emphasizing the extent of the humiliation she endured.
Jaitly’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the reality of sexual harassment and the societal pressures that often force victims to blame themselves. Her brave decision to speak out shines a light on the urgent need to challenge victim-blaming and create a safer environment for all.
