Twinkle Khanna, often known by her pen name Mrs Funnybones, has once again stirred the conversation on women’s safety in India with her latest column titled “Why Ghosts Don’t Scare the Indian Stree.” In her unique style, Twinkle has woven a narrative that merges the world of horror films with the grim realities that women in India face daily.
A Tale from Childhood: Twinkle’s Startling Revelation
Twinkle begins her column by recounting a story from her childhood, one that was passed down from her grandmother. This “apocryphal” tale, as Twinkle describes it, is a common thread in many Indian households, where children are told stories to instill caution and fear. For Twinkle, these stories were more than just tales—they were warnings about the dangers that lurk in the real world, far scarier than any ghost or supernatural entity.
Horror Films vs. Real-Life Horrors
In her column, Twinkle draws a sharp contrast between the fictional horrors depicted in films and the real-life horrors that women encounter. She argues that the fear portrayed in horror movies like “Stree 2” is nothing compared to the terrifying incidents that women in India face daily. Twinkle references several harrowing cases, including the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata and the sexual abuse of young girls in a school in Badlapur, to highlight the pervasive violence against women in the country.
For Twinkle, these real-life events are far more disturbing than any horror film could ever be. She points out that women are constantly taught to live in fear, with strict warnings not to venture out alone, whether it be to the park, school, work, or even within the supposed safety of their homes. These lessons, she notes, are passed down from generation to generation, with little change in the advice given to young girls.
The Need for Change: Twinkle’s Call to Action
Twinkle’s column isn’t just a critique of society’s failures; it’s also a call to action. She emphasizes the urgent need for better implementation and enforcement of laws that guarantee women’s safety in public spaces. Twinkle argues that instead of confining women to their homes out of fear, society should be working to make the world a safer place for them. Until that happens, she wryly notes, it might actually be safer for women to face a ghost in a dark alley than to encounter a man.
The Power of Horror Films: A Medium for Social Commentary
Twinkle also touches upon the role of horror films like “Stree 2” in delivering powerful social messages. She sees these films as more than just entertainment; they are a reflection of the world we live in and can be used to highlight important issues. According to Twinkle, “Stree 2” does more than just scare its audience—it forces them to confront the reality of women’s safety in India.
The film, known for its role reversal and strong female characters, serves as a metaphor for the struggles that women face. Twinkle recalls how her grandmother used to tell similar stories to her and her sister, Rinke Khanna, to scare them into staying safe. These stories were meant to keep them from wandering too far, even as close as the Juhu beach near their home.
A Society in Need of Reflection
Twinkle’s column ultimately serves as a mirror for society, reflecting the deep-seated fears that women carry with them every day. She challenges readers to think about why women are still taught to live in fear, and why the world remains a dangerous place for them. By connecting the fictional world of horror with the real-world horrors that women face, Twinkle forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about our society.
In the end, Twinkle Khanna’s column is more than just a commentary on horror films—it’s a powerful statement on the state of women’s safety in India. Through her witty and thought-provoking writing, she reminds us that the real monsters aren’t the ones we see on screen, but the ones we encounter in everyday life.
