Anurag Kashyap apologised, but why is his daughter facing rape threats?

Gulf News

21-04-2025

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap may have sparked controversy with his recent remarks on caste while defending his upcoming film Phule, but it is the women around him—particularly his daughter—who are bearing the brunt of the backlash. As an FIR was filed against him in Jaipur for his social media post, the online mob turned its fury toward his family. His daughter, Aaliyah Kashyap, has reportedly received rape and death threats from faceless strangers—just for being his child.
How is that fair?
This piece is not about whether Kashyap was right or wrong. He has publicly apologised, clarified his intent, and even admitted that a particular line was taken out of context. And yet, instead of engaging with his words or actions, the rage has zeroed in on the women in his life. Because when the patriarchy feels threatened, it strikes where it hurts most—by targeting women.
This isn't new. Deepika Padukone, one of India's most respected actors, was threatened with having her nose cut off and her head paraded in public for simply acting in Padmaavat. She, too, was used as a scapegoat for a film made by a man.
If you thought this scourge of online misogyny was unique to India and Bollywood stars, think again. Women in the public eye across the globe face the same vile threats, especially when they dare to speak up—or even worse, when they stay silent but are associated with someone who does.
British actress Emily Atack has spoken about receiving constant rape threats online. In the US, actor and activist Ashley Judd was bombarded with sexually violent abuse on Twitter. Feminist media critic Anita Sarkeesian became a symbol of online hate when she was targeted during the Gamergate movement.
Even Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington reported threats so severe, she said she no longer feels safe on public transport.
This is not just an Indian problem. It's a global epidemic. A woman's visibility—especially if linked to dissent, art, or activism—makes her a target. And the internet, with all its anonymity, has become a breeding ground for this gendered violence.
Whether it's Aaliyah Kashyap receiving rape threats for something her father said, or Deepika Padukone being vilified for playing a historical character, the question remains: why are women always the ones to pay the price?
Until we collectively recognise and challenge this disturbing pattern, the cycle will continue. A man will speak, and a woman -- who may not even have anything to do with the controversy like Anurag's daughter Aliyah -- will suffer.