It is disheartening to see how quick our society is to blame a woman when the marriage falls apart. It doesn’t matter how successful the woman is; if she moves out of an abusive marriage, society leaves no attempt to tear her down.
One such woman, who faced society’s brunt is actor Shweta Tiwari. Recently, when she announced separation from husband Abhinav Kohli and accused him of domestic violence, many came forward to blame her for a troubled marriage. More so because the actor had faced a similar situation in 2007 with first husband, Raja Chaudhary.
Talking to HT, calling out the hypocrisy in society Shweta shared how she managed to cope with the stressful times.
“It’s easy for people to say, ‘Ladki ne hi kuch kiya hoga ya usme hi koi problem hogi, tabhi doosri shaadi bhi nahi chal payi’. When I got married at the peak of my career, people told me that it’s over for me. But I didn’t let people’s opinion penetrate my mind. I didn’t even care what my khandaan will say, who only asked me how I was doing once in five years. I just care about myself, my kids and my immediate family.”
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Sharing how she was sorted in her head about what kind of people have a place in her family, she mentioned:
“If anyone tries to harm my family, they hold no importance in my life. I don’t give them attention. But whoever keeps my family happy, helps them grow, I will go that extra mile to do anything for them”
It is never easy to handle personal battles. And, Shweta confesses that she is not an exception. Though she exhibited great courage while dealing with her personal battles, she confesses,
“I don’t think I’m very strong. I’ve weak moments, too, but that isn’t for the audience to see.”
Sharing how her kids supported her unconditionally, she mentioned:
““I’m a parent, and I’ve to raise my daughter Palak (from her first marriage) and my son Reyansh (from second marriage). I’ve to run the house, also. So how can I fall weak and break in testing times? I draw this strength from Palak, who has taken care of me like my mother.”
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But, it is not only mothers who have to bear the brunt of society. Shweta shared how people didn’t even spare her daughter, Palak:
“Some people said ‘disturbed family ke bachche bahut disturbed hote hai’. But that’s not true at all. Palak is a very poised and polished girl.”
It is disheartening to see that even in the 21st century, our society expects women to suffer in silence in an abusive marriage. And, if she shows the courage to take action, she becomes a victim of society’s judgmental attitude.
Also Read: My Daughter Saw Me Getting Beaten Up: Shweta Tiwari On How Failed Marriages Impacted Her Kids
At IFORHER, we salute every woman who shows the courage to move out of an abusive marriage and doesn’t let society tear her spirit down.