Ayesha Takia reacts to father-in-law Abu Azmi's sexist comments

Bollywood actress Ayesha Takia, who is married to Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi's son, clearly mentioned on Twitter yesterday night that she doesn't believe in what her father-in-law said about women. Ayesha's tweet says: "My father-in-law is the head of our family, we all love and respect him a lot. I have my
own mindset which doesn't have to match with everyone even when it's some one I care for, love and respect deeply."
The actress' statement suggests that she is not defending Abu Azmi's sexist comments. Whereas, his son Farhan Azmi was deeply embarassed and apologised saying, "He made statements that were completely not him, he's upset with himself and only I know how bad he's feeling right now. Deep inside, he's very sad. Whatever he said, it was politically wrong", reports Bombay Times.

Joining a list of leaders who made controversial remarks following the Delhi gangrape incident, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi on Tuesday said women should not go out with men other than relatives and agreed with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's view that most rapes take place in cities and not villages.

"Women should not venture out with men who are not relatives," Azmi, a member of Maharashtra assembly, said."What is the need for roaming at night with men who are not relatives? This should be stopped," he added. FULL STORY

Why would Abu Azmi say something like this when his own son is married to a Bollywood actress, who lives the most liberal life? If Ayesha Takia has essayed some coy-girl roles, in all fairness she has to her credit a film like Dor also which shows emancipation of a socially thwarted woman.

Ayesha sister's wedding festivities marred by Abu Azmi's gaffe

The families of politician Abu Azmi's son Farhan and his actress wife Ayesha Takia have been placed in deep embarrassment by the careless misogynist utterances of the senior Azmi.

Deeply mortified, both Farhan Azmi and Ayesha have distanced themselves publicly from Abu Azmi's insensitive and absurd observations. But the damage has been done. There is a wedding going on in the Takia family. Ayesha's politician father-in-law's remarks couldn't have been more ill-timed.

Says a source close to the family, "Ayesha's sister Natasha who aspired to follow her sister into films has now given up her starry dreams and is getting married to a foreigner. Can you imagine, at a time when Ayesha's sister is tying the knot with a foreigner, Ayesha's father-in-law says it's against Indian culture for Indian women to be seen in male company? The Takia household is swarming with relatives and Natsasha's husband's relative from abroad. The family has been deeply embarrassed and ashamed by Abu Azmi's remarks."

While Ayesha was busy with her sister's wedding celebrations Ayesha's mother confirmed her younger daughter's marriage.

Said Mrs Takia, "My daughter Natasha is getting married on January 11 to Joakim Lindstroem. He's Swedish. And he's a traveler, just like Natasha. The house is currently filled with guests."