Fatima Sana Shaikh on Feminism, Priyanka Chopra, and Stepping Into the Role of a Cop in Hunkkaar: The Roar

“I’m Simply Asking for Equal Rights”: Fatima Sana Shaikh Refuses to Back Away From the Feminist Label

Fatima Sana Shaikh has always been open and unapologetic about identifying as a feminist. Ahead of the release of #HunkkaarTheRoar, in which she plays a resolute police officer, the actor addressed why so many in the film industry steer clear of the term and commended Priyanka Chopra Jonas for proudly embracing it.

“Feminism is treated like a bad word by a lot of people. It’s shocking that there are actresses who say they aren’t feminists. By being a feminist, I’m not snatching away a man’s rights. I’m just asking for equal rights for myself,” says Shaikh.

She points to Priyanka as proof that the label doesn’t cost you an audience. “#PriyankaChopra calls herself a feminist and has a huge male fan base. If your intention is clear and you aren’t dumb about it, people will listen to you.”

In the JioHotstar series, Shaikh plays a cop investigating a case in which a minor, played by Aneet Padda, accuses a spiritual guru of sexual assault. She calls it one of the most enriching experiences of her career, largely because the makers treated her as an equal.

Produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment in association with Purple Pebble Pictures and Mangata Films, and directed by #KaranDKapadia and #NityaMehra, Hunkkaar: The Roar streams on JioHotstar from September 25.

By Keerti Kadam