Rani Mukerji, who received much acclaim for her role in the film Mardaani, has another feather in her hat now. The actress is to be honoured with the National Award for the Best Representation of the Cause of Safety, Security and Protection of Women and Girl Child. Mukerji will receive the award at a ceremony on March 8, International Women’s Day, at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi.
Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury, the chairperson of the Institute for Gender Justice, said, “The representation of women in the media, both print and electronic, has been if not to say much, targeted at commodification of woman. This has had a dire consequence on the status of women, which is reflected in the perpetual crime against women in the society. This award is an endeavour to recognise those agents who want to represent women and girl child in a better light and not commodify them. This award is a result of our endeavour to encourage stake holders and functionaries.”
Chaudhary went on to add, “In the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy in the film Mardaani, you (Rani) epitomise the spirit of the countless involved in this long fight against human trafficking. That for you to be associated with a movie addressing such an important and urgent cause attracts the attention of the viewing public and focuses their attention on this pertinent issue. The role so naturally played by you of an empowered and courageous police officer has given the correct message, and the promotional clip that aired on the TV channels to promote the movie also correctly urged people to watch the movie with their entire family, since human trafficking is an issue that every man, woman and child should be aware of, and this awareness is our best tool in this fight.”
