Lakshmi Manchu Condemns Normalization of Abuse in Relationships
While promoting her upcoming Tamil film Pookie and Telugu movie Bookie, actor Lakshmi Manchu addressed critical issues surrounding marriage, dignity, and the evolving dynamics of relationships. In a candid discussion at an event in Hyderabad, she emphasized that personal happiness should always take precedence, and no relationship should demand silent suffering.
Her Stance on Abuse and Personal Choice
Lakshmi Manchu firmly stated that enduring pain in a relationship is a personal decision but should never be glorified. She explained, "You do you. Do what gives you happiness. Two people come together in their 20s hoping they share the same outlook on life. If either of them takes the marriage for granted or starts slacking, that's where the downfall begins."
She highlighted a common societal issue where abuse is normalized, saying, "Some people say no matter how much I suffer or how much I'm abused, I will stay with my husband. That's their life." Her calm yet resolute tone underscored her belief that self-respect is paramount in any partnership.
Reference to the Film 'Thappad'
To illustrate her perspective, Lakshmi referenced the impactful Bollywood film Thappad, which deals with domestic violence. She praised the movie as brilliant and questioned the tolerance of physical violence within marriages. "I watched Thappad and thought it was brilliant. Who gives anyone the right to hit another person? My parents don't touch me – who are you to hit me? That's where I stand. You need self-respect," she asserted, reinforcing her stance against any form of abuse.
Changing Social Norms and Courtship
Reflecting on how relationships have transformed over time, Lakshmi noted that while society has become more accepting of pre-marital relationships, emotional depth has often weakened. She attributed this shift partly to social media, which she believes has corrupted thinking and altered expectations.
"There was a time when our parents would never agree to us being in relationships. Now we've reached a point where it's acceptable, but how you conduct yourself in a relationship matters. Social media has really corrupted the way we think," she remarked.
She also criticized modern courtship for lacking sincerity, where effort is replaced by convenience. "Earlier, if a man wanted to approach a woman, he had to put in effort. Today, it's the same copy-paste message sent to ten women. The world has changed drastically, and it's up to us women to decide if someone truly means what they say," Lakshmi added, urging women to be discerning in their relationships.
Personal Life and Evolution of Thought
Lakshmi Manchu has been married to Andy Srinivasan since 2006, and they have a daughter named Vidya Nirvana. Currently, the couple lives in different countries due to work commitments. She openly admitted that her upbringing encouraged traditional gender roles, but her thinking has significantly evolved over the years, aligning with her advocacy for self-respect and happiness in relationships.
