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Parineeti Chopra Wants To Be A Role Model But Not A Feminist

I Want To Be A Role Model But Not A Feminist, Says Parineeti Chopra
Bollywood Actress Parineeti Chopra poses on the green carpet as she arrives to attend the final day of the 16th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards at the Putra Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on June 7, 2015. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images)
MANAN VATSYAYANA via Getty Images
Bollywood Actress Parineeti Chopra poses on the green carpet as she arrives to attend the final day of the 16th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards at the Putra Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on June 7, 2015. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images)

HYDERABAD -- Actress Parineeti Chopra, the brand ambassador for Haryana's 'Beti Bachao Beti Padao' campaign, says she is not a "feminist" but strongly voices for gender equality.

The 26-year-old actress said she would like to be seen as a role model rather than a "feminist".

When asked if her understanding on women issues developed more after joining films, she said, "I am very often confused to be a feminist but I am not. I am really not. Coming into Bollywood, I think definitely it has made me stronger and more responsible.

"I do feel proud of my gender, of being a woman. I do speak against gender inequality. I am the brand ambassador for Haryana's 'Beti Bachao Beti Padao' campaign. And I think it is very important for me personally to strive for equality, especially the industry that I come from," said the actress, who was in the city today.

The Ishaqzaade (2012) star feels her entry in Bollywood has reaffirmed her belief in gender equality and that there is a need in the society to fill gaps of inequality among men and women.

"Now, I understand and accept that anything that I do, could and I hope should inspire young girls. Now, I am very particular about what I say or do. If that makes me half a feminist, then that's okay. I want girls to be treated the way men are. Somewhere we lack that in our country. So, I do want to be a role model but not a feminist," she added.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.