Pankaj Tripathi has touched our hearts many times – some times through his flawless acting skills and some times through his feminist mind-set. From talking about treating life partners as equal to raising sons as we raise our daughters, Pankaj Tripathi has never shied away from sharing his inspiring thoughts.
Recently during an interview, Pankaj Tripathi opened up about the social evil – Dowry. Though dowry has been criminalized by law as early as 1961, there are still many parents who indulge in this practice.
India has an alarming trend that sees 20 women die every day as a result of harassment over a dowry – either murdered or compelled to commit suicide. How can we forget the horrific incident of Ayesha, who recorded a video while committing suicide because of dowry harassment?
Pankaj Tripathi on Dowry
While talking about social evil, Pankaj Tripathi shared a personal experience that touched the hearts of many. He spoke about how early on in his life he had decided that he will not take a penny from his wife’s family as dowry. While sharing the details, he mentioned:
“I had told my father-in-law that I will not take a single penny from him. He still got a three-piece suit stitched for me and I didn’t wear it. Why do we need to have a specific attire for the grooms? On the wedding day, one can wear whatever he wants. On my wedding day, I was dressed up in Dhoti Kurta”
Also Read: ‘Biwi Se Financial Support Lene Mein Kya Badi Baat Hai’: Pankaj Tripathi On Equal Marriage
We all know how our Indian society is plagued with dowry and in some places, grooms are literally auctioned. Talking about a similar experience in Bihar, Pankaj Tripathi mentioned:
“I have never seen in my village people getting married without a dowry. In love marriages, people don’t ask for it, but even in arranged marriages the groom should be so vocal to get married without asking for a single penny from the bride’s family.”
Further adding, he said:
“I hope I could at least influence at least one young man to say no to dowry.”
Also Read: Rather Beti Bachao, Bete Ko Behatareen Admi Banao: Pankaj Tripathi On Raising Sons
At IFORHER, we are in awe of Pankaj Tripathi and his inspiring thoughts. Kitni baar dil jeetogey, Sir!!