Padmapriya on Kangana Ranaut: Any woman who has a distinct opinion is criticised

Cinephiles may recognise her as the beauty with impeccable dance moves, who features in Saif Ali Khan's Chef, but Padmapriya Janakiraman dons several hats. Not only does she have a National Award to her credit, but also owns a women's association that promotes gender equality in the Malayalam film industry.

Padmapriya Janakiraman and Saif Ali Khan

A 20-member association, it aims to help female actors get legal help and psychological counselling. Janakiraman says, "We aim at promoting security for women at work. We've noted that both, men and women are unprepared to face the hazards of workplace imbalance."

Janakiraman doesn't hesitate to highlight that Bollywood also needs an organisation that protects its women. Pointing to the controversy surrounding Kangana Ranaut's comments on nepotism, she says, "Many people claimed she was playing the victim card. But, that might not be the case. Any woman who has a distinct opinion is criticised. If we hope to create a conducive working environment, we have to start somewhere. Let us begin by agreeing to disagree."

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