Why must a certain section of women be excluded from festivals and traditions: Sohini

Actress and theatre artiste Sohini Sengupta speaks to us about her asso ciation with the #NoConditionsApply campaign and why she thinks the initiative was long overdue. Excerpts:

What made you say yes to the TOI's

Shindoor Khela

campaign?

I found the campaign very interesting and relevant to the time.Why must a certain section of women be excluded from festivals and traditions? It's something to ponder over. It made me think and hence, I decided to be associated with the campaign and reach out to people. TOI should take more initiatives like this. There are so many issues like this that need to be talked about.

What is the significance of Shindoor Khela in your life?

Honestly , I have only taken part in the ritual once. I have never enjoyed it as much. I was divorced and single for a long time, so I never felt a part of the tradition. Which is why , I wouldn't feel like engaging in it. It was only after my marriage in 2013 that I took part in it at my in-laws' place in

Uttarpara

and felt good about it. I felt included and it was a rather good feeling.

Did societal pressure and imposed man made norms have a role to play in this abstinence?

Yes. It was deep-rooted in my psyche that Shindoor Khela is for married women. I haven't grown up seeing my mother (Swatilekha Sengupta) or any woman in my family apply shindoor on their forehead. Wearing shindoor was a loaded concept in my family of extremely strong women. But yes, it did come with an inherent meaning. It felt as if it branded a woman so I rejected the very idea.

How did you warm up to the idea of inclusiveness?

My mother-in-law, Chandrima Moulick, has a big role to play in it. She is a modern woman with viewpoints that's relevant in today's time. It is only because of her that I broke away from the fear. I believe the fear stemmed from the fact that I'm older to my husband. I am past that phase now.

Do you think it's time the mindset changed?

Yes. It's high time it changed and I'm glad TOI is doing its bit to bring about a change. My idea of an independent woman, who refuses society's role in dictating what a woman should or should not take part in, is my mother. She doesn't care about all that. She will very well be a part of Shindoor Khela if she wants to. I, on the other hand, have been a little restrained. I kept thinking, `Do I fit in?'

Why do you think it's important to `fit in'?

I find it a bit funny. A woman can choose to wear shindoor. Why must society dictate the rules for it? Look at Rekha. She isn't married but she proudly wears shindoor on her forehead. Her courage is commendable. I feel, now that I have the licence' to wear shindoor, because I'm married, I don't feel the pressure anymore.

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