Ratna Pathak Shah: Isn’t it appalling that modern educated women do Karva Chauth, praying for the lives of husbands so that they can have some validity in life

In a recent interview, veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah criticised the regressive social practices in India. She pointed out that society is becoming conservative as several superstitions are also becoming a prevalent force in society. The actress also pointed out that the number of advertisements for astrology and kundali matching has also gone up in India. Citing the example of Saudi Arabia, she said that Indian society is going in that direction.  

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Ratna said that she had never been asked if she followed Karva Chauth until last year. “Till today no one has asked me this, last year was the first time someone asked me about it. I said, ‘Pagal hun main?’ Isn’t it appalling that modern educated women do Karva Chauth, praying for the lives of husbands so that they can have some validity in life,” she said. 

Ratna further added that Indian society is becoming conservative and people are becoming superstitious. She also stated that people in India are being forced into making religion an important part of life. She explained that the number of advertisements related to astrology has gone up. She also mentioned how rationalist Dabholkar gets killed in broad daylight. While his trial is on, the actress pointed out that nothing could be done about it. 

Ratna Pathak Shah also recalled the ‘star culture’ of the ’70s. She said that many stars during that time were ‘obnoxious’. She also added that the decisions used to be made based on the popularity of the star instead of the need to strengthen stories. The further added that many movies got finalised in the living room of her and her husband Naseeruddin shah and yet people would ignore her presence. She confessed that such incidents used to affect her self-confidence but not her marriage.