It’s been 25 years since the iconic Bollywood movie ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ was released in the cinema halls.
While our country is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of this cult movie, a Twitter user acquainted many with the ‘problematic behavior’ of Raj that was promoted as ‘Love’.
Here’s the tweet that made many come forward and call out the issues with Bollywood’s interpretation of love.
Raj does the following to Simran:
— YogiMan (@yogimanthefirst) October 20, 2020
1. Lie that he raped her as a joke
2. Tears her clothes in public (accidentally, but who pulls a woman by the back of her dress anyway?)
3. Forces her to dance, and in the process gropes her and feels up her bare back
Why do women love creeps? https://t.co/soPaiprJl0
Many netizens came forward to express similar sentiments about Raj’s problematic behavior.
Sadly u r are right.. I mean abt what all Raj does.. This is precisely the power of #Bollywood right? It makes stalking seem romantic. And we all are influenced by it – sometimes in the form of nostalgia & sometimes despite our own best intent. We all need to learn & change 🙂 🙂 https://t.co/LTXIDMz3NP
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) October 20, 2020
Of course, Bollywood has power. That’s why we wish artists become more responsible. I was 11 when I watched bits and pieces of DDLJ with my sis who was a huge fan. I didnt know Hindi then. Still thought Raj to be VERY irritating and that stupid father too.
— Nidaa C (@nidaa21186) October 20, 2020
Power of bollywood it makes Stalking seems romantic & rape seems as love making & enjoying by the actress
— No Drama please (@AmitSin42299046) October 20, 2020
There are way too many reasons why it’s a horrible movie. I will never understand Bollywood fans.
— Kavitha Murali (@Kavity85) October 20, 2020
Doesnt he also try to sleep in her lap and fools around with her clothes in the train when they meet for the first time?
— V – ವಿಕಟಕವಿ – بیوقوॐف (@vikatakavi__) October 20, 2020
Somebody said it ????????….. He was a Creepy character
— Totallyvelle (@totallyvelle) October 20, 2020
That train compartment scene when he meets simran the first time is next level creepy ; resting his head in her lap ? pushing her to the corner with his shoulder? Holding her bra to her face ?? Creeepy !! pic.twitter.com/eMvVzKAEBf
— Rishant Abhishek (@AbhishekRishant) October 20, 2020
There were many who felt there was no need to find flaws in the 90’s movie, which was a super hit at the time of its release. To which, a Twitter user said:
yes sensibilities change with time and we should absolutely point out their flaws so it doesn’t repeat in the future. if we continue to stay “chill”, no change would ever happen in society. maybe that’s why rapes continue to happen everyday :/
— s. (@hereforgulshan) October 20, 2020
just my two cents.
ALSO READ: If I Was Anjali, Why I Would Have Never Chosen Rahul Over Aman As A Life Partner
Sadly, Bollywood has a habit of glorifying misogynist characters in the name of entertainment. We feel our superheroes have been irresponsible in misleading the young generation to believe these misogynist gestures as romantic gestures. Even Sharukh Khan in one of his interviews mentioned that he has told his daughter Suhana to stay away from anyone who is closer to his ‘problematic’ character Rahul or Raj.
Abhay Deol recently called out how the movie ‘Raanjhanaa’ glorified sexual harassment & stalking. Recently, Shahid portrayed a flawed misogynist and abusive character – Kabir Singh. Our patriarchal society adored the movie and it managed to break quite records. Either our movie stars don’t understand the impact of their characters on young minds and society or they just don’t care.
ALSO READ: Dear Indian Men, Please Don’t Let Kabir Singh Influence You, You Can Do Much Better!
We hope our movie industry would soon understand the need of the hour and give Indian men role models that make our country safer for women!