A series of alleged dowry-related deaths in India has prompted Riddhi Dogra to speak out. In a poignant Instagram post, the “Jawan” actress urged young women to educate themselves, build financial independence, and stop romanticizing marriage, while also calling out unrealistic expectations on both sides.
Her message comes in the wake of two recent cases that shocked the country.Riddhi Dogra reacts to dowry deathsAddressing young women directly, Ridhi Dogra wrote: “Please stop romanticizing marriage. Your parents and the world they grew up in are over…Girls don’t need to marry for survival. For companionship. Yes. But not for dependency.”She also warned against putting unrealistic expectations on partners, saying: “Girls – please, don’t expect your friends to become Mr Prince Charming after marriage.
“They’re human too and they’re discovering this new world.”Her message carried a strong call for self-reliance, adding: “Educate yourself. Live for yourself. And please stand up for yourself. Don’t expect anyone to come and defend you. Marry for love and respect.”Riddhi Dogra on feminism and equalityRiddhi Dogra also responded to the distortion of feminist ideals, writing: “Real feminism is just equality.
That’s it. No more, no less. When I talk about girls I also talk about boys… Feminism has never been about belittling men.” She concluded with a cultural reminder, “We are from the land of Shiv and Shakti. They both go together.”Cases that sparked conversationAccording to reports, on May 12, Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old model-turned-actress from Noida, was found hanging at her matrimonial home in Katara Hills area of Bhopal.
Her family claimed she was harassed over dowry, while her in-laws said she suffered from drug addiction.In a separate incident, 24-year-old Deepika Nagar died last Sunday after falling from the balcony of her marital home in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Her family claimed that she was killed by her in-laws because of her demand for dowry, and insisted that it was neither a suicide nor just an accident.