Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has shown that she is not just a fashion icon but also a responsible public figure by speaking up about the problem of street harassment.

She used her Instagram account as a platform for beauty brand L’Oréal Paris as part of the brand’s Stand Up training programme.

The 52-year-old actress, who has been associated with the company for more than a decade, spoke up against this menace in a new campaign video and urged women not to blame themselves. She called for more awareness and stronger intervention.

In a video shared on Instagram, the former Miss World is seen challenging long-held advice often given to women. “Street harassment. How do you deal with it?” she says, before adding, “Avoid eye contact? No. Look the problem directly in the eyes. Hold your head high. Feminine and feminist, my body, my worth. Never compromise your worth. "

Do not doubt yourself. Stand up for your worth. Don't blame your dress or your lipstick. Street harassment is never your fault,” she added.

Her remarks quickly drew positive reactions online, with social media users praising her for speaking up on a subject they said remains under-addressed.

While one user called her message a “powerful reminder”, another person lauded her for speaking out: “someone had to talk about it.”

On the work front, Aishwarya was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s 2023 period drama Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2, which earned Rs 344.63 crore gross worldwide.