While we try to wrap our heads around the bizarre comments made by politicians and people in the public fray about what a women should wear, how she should behave and conduct herself, the latest comments by cricketer Hardik Pandya display arrogance, cockiness and disrespect, proving yet again that it is not women who need to be making changes but men who’ve got some respecting and learning to do.
Guests at the popular show, Koffee with Karan, young cricketer Hardik Pandya who was with fellow cricketer KL Rahul, has been making headlines and not for the right reasons. Hardik’s uncalled for openness about his sex life, and ideas on how to treat women have irked people all over and let loose a stream of angry tweets.
“When I lost my virginity, I came home and said, ‘Main karke aya hai aaj (I had sex today)’. At a party my parents asked me ‘acha tera wala (women) kaun sa hai (who is your interest here?) so I said yeh, yeh, yeh (pointing out women)’ and they were like ‘waah proud of you beta’,” were a few revelations Pandya made on the show.
We chronicle the angst of young Bengalureans who face palmed their way through the horrifying comments made by Hardik...
Kenneth George, a feminist and a teacher says, “To go on a TV show and say something so misogynist is a matter of concern for two reasons. First, the fact that you are speaking to a sensible audience and will face the consequences. Second, you don’t say things like this randomly, out of the blue. It is what you believe in. So, to know that he considers it ok or cool to treat women that way is alarming. He needs to learn that women are not objects but human beings and deserve to be respected.”
Anjali Augustin, an IT professional says, “It is sad but true that some men still think and behave this way. It is such thinking that leads to unhealthy relationships and crime. To think of it as something cool or be proud of is a cry for help that cannot be ignored. It is not cool to sleep around with women, keep a count of it and boast about it to your friends. It is pathetic to look at a women and think of them as sex objects. It is rude, insensitive and unacceptable to say something of this sort.”
Followed by the angry tweets and comments, Hardik took to Twitter to apologise for what seems like a mistake that’s given him a reputation. “After reflecting on my comments on Koffee with Karan, I would like to apologise to everyone concerned who I may have hurt in any way. Honestly, I got a bit carried away with the nature of the show. In no way did I mean to disrespect or hurt anyone’s sentiments. Respect,” he tweeted.
Anquna Ananitha, an MA student, says, “The apology was certainly expected but is not all that he needs to do. It is important that he understands why it was wrong for him to do what he did and correct his behaviour in order to actually make a difference. He blurted these things out on TV, but there are many other people who function this way and thinks its normal to do so... As angry as it makes us, it is important that we correct such behaviour. These angry tweets or a good talk, whatever it takes...”
Hardik and KL Rahul were issued show cause notices by the BCCI for their comments. BCCI is also considering a ban on players in non-cricketing shows.
