Shadab Jahan talks of her ordeal at Oxfam & Mami’s 'Women in Film' brunch

The brunch saw some of the strongest women from cinema, including actors, writers, producers, directors and other streams of cinema, make this event a celebration of women who have fought against all odds.

At the Oxfam & Mami’s 'Women in Film' brunch, Shadab Jahan related her story of oppression and her fight for survival.

Shadab Jahan and Rehana Ali, the mother-daughter duo came from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

They were here to speak about their fight against violence, against patriarchy.

Shadab Jahan is a domestic violence survivor and now helps women overcome violence in their lives through her NGO, Astitva.

Shadab said, “I am very happy to be a part of this gathering and to share my story with such an accomplished group of women. It was heart-warming to get support from strong women of the film industry.”

Said Rina Soni, director Oxfam India, "We wanted reel life heroes to meet real life heroes. Ordinary women in India are fighting patriarchy, gender bias and regressive social norms. It is time that Indian cinema celebrates brave women and take a look at the portrayal of women in films, which is far away from reality."

Accomplished film personalities who supported the cause were Manisha Koirala, Kiran Rao, Kriti Sanon, Aahana Kumra, Sandhya Mridul, Renuka Shahane, Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das among others.

This year four films have been shortlisted for the Oxfam Best Film on Gender Equality Award.

The films that have been shortlisted this year are 'Village Rockstars’, 'The Hungry’, 'Granny (Ajji)’ and 'Checkmate (Turup)’.

The winner will be announced on Wednesday, on the closing night of the festival.