Is Pori Moni the right fit to portray Pritilata’s rebellion?

Collage: Salman Sakib Shahryar

Pori Moni's arrest led to various opinions on and offline. Cultural activists posted pictures with empty bottles in their hand to show their support for the actress, while others posted profile pictures on Facebook with the filter and hashtag "Raater Rani" as a stance for women's freedom of movement at night.  

To some, the actress is no more than an attention-seeker. To others, Pori Moni is no less than a warrior -- bold and resolute against patriarchal notions prevalent in society. 

Photo: Collected

Coincidentally, Pori Moni bagged the titular role in the movie "Pritilata" -- based on the life of Pritilata Waddedar, legendary Bengali revolutionary. 

The first official poster of the film showcased a completely de-glamourised Pori Moni, transformed into the revolutionary leader. The film is to be directed by Rashid Polash.

When the film was first announced, many wondered if Pori Moni could truly portray the revolutionary leader. 

In terms of acting, Pori Moni has the talent to portray Pritilata. Her noteworthy performances in movies like Giasuddin Selim's "Swapnajaal" and Tauquir Ahmed's "Sphulingo" testify in her favour. 

Like Pritilata, Pori Moni also comes from a humble background. The actress grew up in a small town of Narail in the Satkhira district. Growing up without parents, she had to work twice as hard to earn scholarship in Pirojpur. 

Many members of the Bangladeshi film fraternity came out in support of the actress on social media after her arrest. 

"Mohanagar" director Ashfaque Nipun praised the actress for her unbeatable spirit. "That's how a lady rebels," he wrote.

Fresh off accolades for her performance in"Rehana Maryam Noor", Azmeri Haque Badhon has also been vocal about the treatment Pori Moni endured after arrest.

On June 13, 2021, Pori Moni shocked the entire nation by posting a status on her Facebook that a "powerful person" has tried to physically assault her, and subsequently threatened her. The Facebook status went viral, and the accused Boat Club member was taken into custody for questioning. 

Many netizens questioned Pori Moni's being out late at night on that day. 

In 1932, Pritilata had to disguise herself as a Punjabi man to attack the Pahartali European Club, as women were not allowed to go out at night during that era. 

Meye Network, a feminist platform, created an awareness campaign, called "Raater Rani", to raise voice against the trending misogynistic comments against Pori Moni, especially regarding her choice to go out after sunset. 

One of the founding members posted on the group about the initiation of the movement. "My name is Samara, I am a self-proclaimed Raater Rani. I have had several discussions in various groups of friends, where we all wanted to stand with Pori Moni, but didn't know how to. We wanted to express solidarity, but in a way that our voices mattered, that highlighted the moral policing on women that have become rampant in society, and particularly on social media," the post read. 

While Pritilata fought against the colonial rulers with arms and artilleries, women now use social media to voice their opinions.

Renowned actress Jaya Ahsan wrote a post against the age-old notion about female celebrities in showbiz. Her post read, "I am hurt as a person, as a girl and also as an actor who is part of the film industry." 

"Why should a woman suffer such humiliation? I really can't understand how a man has the mentality or the audacity to treat a woman like that? The film industry that we have been building up with so much blood and sweat... has it become so fragile to crumble like that," the post further read. 

Actress Ashna Habib Bhabna also talked about the sexual objectification of women on social media. 

"As I experience constant negativity in this patriarchal society, I realise that no matter who you are -- homemaker, doctor, or a girl working in a parlour -- you will witness the same disrespectful treatment that even an actress cannot escape," read her Facebook post.

In terms of sheer bravery and outspoken personality, few in the film industry have displayed similar courage like Pori Moni over the years. 

However, this write-up by no means suggests that the actress is perfect -- if she has committed a crime, it is in the jurisdiction of the court to punish her. But the fact that she had the guts to rebel with such determination and continues to defy the double standards of society, is something to take note of.