Film technicians complain about lack of washroom for women on shooting locations. Bollywood celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan provide support to the cause of building more toilets in India.
No Washrooms for Women on Shooting Locations
For long, women in India have complained about access to toilets. Even in cities, where its easy for people to spend a few hours commuting, its difficult for women to access toilets (even if there are, they are were filthy and unusable).
Recently, film technicians met at the Film City complex in Mumbai to address the lack of basic hygiene facilities for women on shooting locations.
“Everyone thinks that ours a glamorous industry, but the working conditions are pathetic, especially for women, with no access to safe and clean washrooms. And its worse on outdoor locations, as there’s no provision for toilets in many productions,” said a woman costume designer.
Most women artists and crew rely on the washrooms in the vanity vans of actors (and most of them understand their plight).
Unhygienic bathrooms can cause urinary tract infections and several other health issues, among female technicians. At times, women even refrain from drinking water for the entire shift (8-10 hours), as they fear they may have to go to the loo.
Akshay Kumar’s ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’
Actor Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ highlights the plight of women in India, especially in the rural areas, where they have to go to open fields to relieve themselves.
It puts women in grave danger; several women have been raped or attacked by animals (especially at night) because they have to go outdoors.
Bollywood’s Support for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Bollywood celebrities had expressed their support to Indian prime minister Modi’s call for ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (Clean India Mission).
Watch: Amitabh Bachchan as ‘Coolie’ – Swachh Bharat Misssion
Watch: Vidya Balan says no to Open Defecation
Freida Pinto wrote: “Next 5 years, we should aim to breathe clean & erase that unsavory label of “filthy” and “smelly” that India is burdened with. This is every Indian citizen’s responsibility. Not just those nominated. Let us all figure out a way to contribute — big or small. Have waited for an announcement like this for ages. It’s now official.”
Most celebs felt that this was an idea that was long overdue and with PM Modi backing it, its hosul get tremendous support in India, and hopefully result in a much cleaner India.
