Going the extra mile
Nirbhaya lives in our hearts as a reminder of the animalistic horror that she was subjected to. Though helpless, she put up a brave fight to the finish and it is a tribute to this bravery that the makers of Tara — the Journey of Love and Passion, have decided to dedicate the film to her memory.
Rekha Rana who plays the lead character Tara read the script and took a snap decision to accept the role. “This is a film on women’s empowerment. My character is similar to Nirbhaya and she fights till the end! She is brave enough to take a stand when the odds are stacked heavily against her and fights for justice,” says Rekha about her reasons for accepting the role. “In today’s world, values and respect to women are fast disappearing. Every day, the papers are full of disturbing news of rapes and molestations. Through this movie, we have tried to show that women are not meek and are very powerful. It is the men who try to suppress the women!”
The film also taught her a few hard lessons about which she says, “Getting out of the character was very tough! During the shoot, I have seen people fighting for food and water and I have been a witness to the hardships faced by men and women, just to survive each day. My perception of life has changed 360 degrees and I am a completely changed person now.”
The Delhi-based Rekha always had a passion for acting and drama and joined the Barry John acting school. She has completed 75 theatre shows in India and abroad.
Acting is only one facet of her personality; she is also actively involved in various campaigns. One such is Star NGO based in South Africa, which works for orphans and Rekha is usually present at any event organised by them, in India or abroad to raise funds. She was also a part of the Save Our Women campaign that is aimed at propagating the use of helmets by women. Incidentally John Abraham was the male counterpart for the campaign targeting men.
Busy or not, they say it is impossible to catch up with Rekha! She gives a knowing look and smiles, “You would be hinting at my participating in the Trans Asia Women marathon! Yes, I can run for hours and I believe that is the best exercise.” Well she may be swimming in the shark-infested waters of filmdom but Rekha is unperturbed, “I am also into swimming since childhood and I have participated in many state-level under 18 swimming competitions.”
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