‘Need to redefine masculinity in India’

As India continues to grapple with the problem of rape and violence against women, superstar Aamir Khan said the ‘balance of power’ needs to change in India and the definition of masculinity should be redefined.

Khan, 49, was in the city to speak at the prestigious sixth annual Women in the World summit presented by renowned journalist and author Tina Brown in association with the New York Times here. “Rape is a big issue in India,” Khan said in a session titled ‘Tackling India’s Taboos’.

The PK star said a rape survivor is often ill-treated by police and medical staff and does not get swift justice. “The balance of power in India needs to change. Unless conviction becomes swift and certain, things are not going to change in India. And very very importantly, as a society we have to shun the rapist and hold the survivor close,” Khan said to a huge round of applause from the audience.

The audience included Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep, talk show host Jon Stewart and designer Diane von Furstenberg.