Mumbai, June 29: Actor Swara Bhasker, who has often been called out on the Internet for her strong opinions, explained the meaning of feminism to a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker when he questioned her about the same at an event. At an event by The Indian Express called 'Express Adda', Swara Bhasker was asked about conservatism and feminism.

A BJP worker asked her why feminists would force feminism over women who "choose to be conservative". While asking the question, he also gave examples of Russia and the US saying women were voting for leaders with conservative ideologies. Responding to the question, Swara said that feminism was about giving women choice to make their own decisions just like men.

"Feminism is about is a thought that there should be equality amongst the genders. And equality not just of representation but equality of opportunity and equality of accountability, which is something that not just women but a lot of communities in India have not had, whether it is caste, whether it is women," she said.

Swara added, "And for me, feminism is about giving women choice. So if some women choose to be conservative or choose to deny themselves their own rights, what can I say? I think it is completely legitimate to ask those women that why do they want to tie themselves down. After that if they decide to be conservative, nobody is forcing them to be a feminist, in fact there are conservative women who say they are feminists and call us fake feminists. First tell them to not shut us up with the idea of their feminism."

The Veere Di Wedding actor also went on to say how she was abused on Twitter more by women and took a dig at the BJP worker saying, "I'm sure you may be knowing some of them." She concluded by saying, "I think as long as people are having conversations, all is good. As long as people are not being lynched, as long as they are not being burnt alive, as long as our leaders are not attending pro-rape rallies, I think all is good." He response was followed by a loud applause from the audience.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2018 01:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).