'Please stop romanticising marriage': Ridhi Dogra speaks out on dowry deaths, urges women to build financial independence

A string of alleged dowry-related deaths in India prompted Ridhi Dogra to speak out. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 'Jawan' actress urged young women to educate themselves, build financial independence, and stop romanticising marriage, while also calling out unrealistic expectations on both sides. Her message comes in the wake of two recent cases that have shocked the country.Riddhi Dogra reacts to dowry deathsAddressing young women directly, Ridhi Dogra wrote, "Please stop romanticising marriage. The age of your parents and the world they grew up in has expired... Girls don't need marriage for survival. For companionship. Yes. But not for dependency."She also warned against placing unrealistic expectations on partners, saying, "Girls – pls don't expect your boyfriends to become Mr Prince Charming after marriage. They are human too and are figuring this new world out."Her message carried a strong call to self-reliance, adding, "Educate yourself. Live for yourself. And please stand up for yourself. Don't expect anyone to come and stand up for you. Marry each other for love and respect."Riddhi Dogra on feminism and equalityRidhi Dogra also pushed back against the distortion of feminist ideals, writing, "True feminism is just equality. That's it. Nothing more and nothing less. When I speak for girls I also speak for boys... Feminism was never about putting men down." She concluded with a cultural reminder, "We are from the land of Shiv and Shakti. Both go together."The cases that triggered the conversationAccording to reports, on May 12, Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old model-turned-actor from Noida, was found hanging at her marital home in Bhopal's Katara Hills area. Her family has alleged she was harassed for dowry, while her in-laws claim she suffered from drug addiction.Separately, 24-year-old Deepika Nagar died last Sunday after allegedly falling from the terrace of her matrimonial home in Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Her family alleged she was murdered by her in-laws over dowry demands and insists it was neither a suicide nor an accident.