Indo-Canadian Punjabi singer AP Dhillon has voiced his outrage and disappointment over the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Moved by the incident, Dhillon has channeled his anguish into a song, questioning why society still requires marches to demand safety and peace for women.
Is it a curse to be born a girl?
On Friday, Dhillon took to Instagram Stories to share his feelings, writing, “Woke up today wanting to let my thoughts out the only way I know how…”. He followed this with a video of himself performing a song about the incident. In the song, he wonders if it is a curse to be born a girl. He also references the 2012 Nirbhaya rape case, demanding that society take corrective action.
Though he sings in Punjabi, the video includes English lyrics, which read: “She has saved many lives and souls. God, how could her fate end so tragically? She was not safe even in a place where everyone knew her. Today, we all ask you, is it a curse to be born a girl?
For the women who have transformed the world, society has refused to change around them, though they have swum oceans worth of progress, society has barely moved an inch. What happened 12 years ago continues to happen today. Why do we still have to march for women to live in peace?”
Bollywood’s reaction
The case has also elicited reactions from several Bollywood celebrities who have expressed shock and demanded justice for the victim. Among those speaking out are Twinkle Khanna, Kangana Ranaut, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Tisca Chopra, Parineeti Chopra, Preity Zinta, Richa Chadha, and Swara Bhasker.
Details of the Case
On August 9, a post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Her family has alleged that she was raped and murdered. A strong wave of protests from doctors and celebrities across the nation continues, with demands for justice for the victim.
The post-mortem report revealed that the victim suffered brutal injuries, with blood oozing from her private parts, eyes, and mouth, indicating she was subjected to ‘genital torture.’ The Central Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the case.
