International Women's Day is an annual celebration of the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women across the globe. Celebrated on March 8 each year, the day attempts to shed light on women's rights and gender equality.

Today, as we celebrate International Women's Day, PeepingMoon spoke to Sai Tamhankar. Unfiltered, strong and bindaas, this Marathi mulgi has climbed the ladder of success with her talent, determination and passion. Empowering her fans in her own unique way, Sai paved a path for herself in a male-dominated society. Talking to PeepingMoon, the actress opened up about pay disparity, the debate around necklines and hemlines and shared a special message for all her beautiful female fans.

Excerpts from the interview:

What is it like to be a woman?

It’s exciting, challenging and liberating to be a woman.

What makes you an ExtraordiNari? 

I think all Naris are ExtraordiNARIs and I am glad I’m too a Nari. Every Nari has her own reasons to be extraordinary; for me, it’s the fact that I carved a path all by myself, I believe the greatest superpower one can have is saying no to things one doesn’t believe in. I'm glad that I have this superpower!

Do you feel celebrating Women’s Day has actually managed to empower women? 

It might not have directly empowered women as such but I think it’s a wonderful idea to recognise women and their efforts. Thanks to this day, women who deserve accolades and recognition have come to the fore which is a great thing. Also, in general, celebrating womanhood is a great idea. Having said this, there is still a long way to go as far as respect and safety of women are concerned. I hope we truly work towards that. 

Despite being in a democratic country, do you find it hard to express your views on social media? 

I believe actors are entertainers and should not be expected to express views on everything happening around them. Whatever view you have, you are bound to have a big chunk of people who don’t agree with you and bully you for it. I prefer to keep my views on most things to myself. I use social media as a medium to connect with my fans, tell them more about me and my work that’s all. But, if I feel the need to express my views on some things I absolutely would without worrying about any consequences. 

Women are often criticized for the lengths of their necklines and hemlines....

I do not bother about what people think about necklines and hemlines. I have and always will continue to wear and appear the way I want to and am comfortable with. I think it boils down to education and upbringing as a society. Hopefully, we get over this attitude. 

Despite much awareness and initiatives, do you feel there is still a lack of gender equality in the industry?

Yes, there is. I have in my way tried to stand firm as and when I can, about this. Though I feel as far as an opportunity in different fields of the industry is concerned, we are definitely getting better by the day. Pay disparity still is a factor. I think pay should be directly related to the value brought in by the actor and not gender. 

Due to rise in social media usage, women are often age/body/slut shamed... 

In my view, it has a lot to do with majorly to do with education and upbringing. We should do something about it because how much ever we decide to not let it affect us, it does. I have gone through a lot of such shaming. It is disturbing at times. I’m the sort of person who will not care about such people and comments but there are times when it really bothers you. 

Men aren't secure enough to deal with strong women- myth or fact? 

I wouldn’t want to generalise and state this as a rule but I do think a majority of men can’t tolerate strong women. I will also say that there are men who are secure enough to deal with strong women. 

What’s that one message you would like to give to your female fans who look up to you for inspiration? 

Don’t be scared to dream big and be ambitious. It is a tough ride but it is extremely satisfying at the end of the day to be a self-made success.