Actor Juhi Chawla comes down heavily on songs that commodify women

"Here we are  talking about  women’s respect and then there are songs like “Chikni chameli”, “Munni badnaam” and so on. Should we be listening to such  lyrics?” she asked at a seminar organized by the Indian Chamber Of Commerce (ICC).

The ICC had organised 'Jaagruti', a seminar and an exhibition on lifestyle products at Oberoi Grand on Tuesday.

Also present were Aditya V Agarwal, President of ICC, Fashion designer Agnimitra Paul, Chief of UNICEF (Kolkata)  A.S Rahman,  Abhilasha Sethia  President of Ladies Study Group and others.

Aditya V Agarwal  said, "It’s not only about empowering women but also to teach men about their responsibility towards women. Women too have to be strong and aware and take steps before tragedy strikes.”

UNICEF chief , Rahman said that ICC will have their full co-operation in this great initiative.

There were YUWA girls who shared their stories of empowerment. 

The audience was stunned into silence by Renu Kumari's question to Juhi Chawla. The 17-year old girl, who comes from a place where girls are still looked down upon, asked the actor, “Have you ever thought of yourself as a burden for the society?” 

The event was followed by an exhibition offered one-stop solutions for couture,  accessories, wellness, etc.

Participating brands included Nandita Thirani, Farheen Rahman, Kaya Skin Clinic, BODH- The Store, Tanishq, Shaina NC and so on.

Sathya Saran, journalist and editor of women’s magazine ‘Me’ made a special presentation based on the life of Ghazal maestro Late Jagjit Singh.

(Reporting by Shreenita Seal)