"Freedom is accessible to anyone who dares to claim it," says Geetika Tyagi

"Freedom is accessible to anyone who dares to claim it," says Geetika Tyagi

 Mumbi-On Independence Day, the star discusses the gender issues highlighted by  Zee Theatre's teleplay 'Ok Tata Bye Bye'  

As India celebrates its 76th Independence Day, actor Geetika Tyagi who stars in Zee Theatre's teleplay 'Ok Tata Bye Bye,' wonders if freedom means the same thing to men and women. And if society can ever grant equal privileges to both genders.  She says, "It is hard for women to be ever free from societal judgement.  'Ok Tata Bye Bye,’ explores this with great insight and highlights the moral hypocrisy and double standards with which sex workers are judged. They are part of a system that exploits them but it is they who are castigated. In cinema and in other mediums, sex workers are portrayed as victims but in this story, you see a sex worker who refuses to be judged or shamed and celebrates her life. She demonstrates that freedom is accessible to anyone who dares to claim it."

When Geetika read the script of this Purva Naresh teleplay, she instantly connected with it. She explains, "My character Pooja is quite layered. She wants to document the lives of sex workers but is confused when she sees a woman who, despite her profession, is not a victim but mentally liberated. Slowly, her own ideas also evolve and she begins to see that these women are unfairly ostracized. I personally feel education and literacy can help us to take on the patriarchy. Right now, however, we are in a transitional phase and have not achieved gender equality."  

She is also happy that a story as relevant as this will now also be available in Telugu. She says, "Patriarchy is prevalent in society at every level and a story like this is bound to resonate widely with the diverse audience in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.  Entertainment is a universal language that builds bridges between different sections of society and creates an enriching dialogue. When the content is good and the characters are strong, then everyone will watch a story, regardless of its language."  

   Directed by Purva Naresh, the teleplay also stars Jim Sarbh, Prerna Chawla and Sarika Singh and will air on Airtel Theatre, Dish TV, Rangmanch Active & D2H Rangmanch Active 13th August.