International Women`s Day: Celebrities speak

Chennai: From celebration of freedom to respect and love towards womanhood, celebrities like actor-filmmaker Lakshmy Ramakrishnan and actress Sharmila Mandre interpret International Women`s Day, which is on March 8, differently.

Here is what they have to say: Lakshmy Ramakrishnan: Women`s Day need not necessarily be March 8; it could very well be that day when the Lakshman Rekha in our (women) lives disappears. It`s sad but true that even in the 21st century a line, which has only been pushed further with generations, controls a woman`s life. As much as I believe, women should be disciplined but that shouldn`t strip them off their freedom. Lakshmi Manchu: I don`t find any need for Women`s Day because if we are trying to prove that we are different from men on this day, I find it weird. What is the need to prove that we are different from men? What is the need to declare that we are different species? Sharmila Mandre: This is a day to tell ourselves that we don`t have to be scared of anything. Be it going out at a time of our preference or standing up for what we believe in, we have every reason to celebrate. On Women`s Day, we can also look at the impact women have left on the country by excelling in every chosen field of their choice. By celebrating Women`s Day, we are in turn celebrating the rights of women in the country. Jhansi: Taking into consideration all sorts of things happening against women in the country, it is very important that we take pride in celebrating the day. It not only gives us hope, but also reminds us that we have to move on come what may. This is a day to stop and look back at the journey we have been through and see if we can learn something from it. Disha Pandey: The day is of utmost respect to me because it gives me the opportunity to dedicate it to the most important women in my life - my mother and grandmother. It is through this day we could educate so many families in rural India to allow their daughters, sisters and daughters-in-law to do what they aspire in life. Nandini Reddy: It is one of those days to remind yourself that you are not a weaker sex. Even today, in so many places in India, women are merely discarded as weaker sex. If I can be a filmmaker, then I`m sure so many other women can excel in different arenas provided we encourage talent irrespective of sex. Shraddha Das: We don`t need a certain day to celebrate Women`s Day. We can celebrate it every day if women in this country are allowed to be independent financially, emotionally and mentally. It is very important for women in India to be independent in every possible way to prove that they are not weaker sex.