The Way forward

The way forward

Nysa has completed her Bachelors from the Delhi University and is currently pursuing her Masters in English Literature. But sitting in one place and reading for long hours is not something that she would rather do.

By Aditi Thirani

Nysa likes to communicate at 'different levels'. "I really want to finish my Masters and justify what I am studying right now but ironically, that really seems distant because I am not the person who has the patience to sit and read for hours," says Nysa. She is more of an adventure person. "I love adventure sports like rock climbing, rafting, camping, trekking, etc. But unfortunately I don't get much time for sports now. I've been waiting to learn swimming so that I can enjoy water sports and be equally excited about plans to Goa," beams Nysa.

Nysa has been responsible for running 'Fade In', a theatre group in Pune which has a wonderful team of people from different walks of life. "It's an exciting mix of MBAs, IITians, Engineers, BPO workers, students, and full time actors. All of my time goes in planning, rehearsing and preparing actors for our productions. Apart from acting, now my interests also lie in directing the plays and script writing will be next in the times to come. I see myself learning new and exciting things with time and each experience," says Nysa.

"I feel really great being a woman and more than that I consider myself lucky to be born in times where the situation of women is much better than what it was in my mother's times" feels Nysa who likes to be her own boss. "I always wanted to be in a line of profession where I am my own boss and there are no time limits, reporting, targets and I could decide my own pace of doing things. Luckily theatre gives me this leverage .And I am happy that my passion is also my profession now. Things couldn't have been better," quips Nysa.

"I feel that people across all strata of society have started respecting and acknowledging the fact that women are individuals like men and have the independence to take the decision that they feel is right. This is because women are competing, succeeding and leading in their respective careers. I think the next milestone is when people will stop being judgmental and critical about women," says Nysa. "Changes are evident as more and more women are getting independent and career conscious. Especially in middle and upper middle classes mostly, a girl child is not seen as a liability at the time of birth," she adds.

"This field is known for exploitation, casting couch, compromises etc. I had my share of fears before stepping into this line of profession but so far, God has been really kind to me. One thing that I realized is that all depends on your attitude of approaching things and opportunities. If you are desperate people would take advantage of your situation. According to me, it does not matter whether you are a man or a woman the challenges are same for both the sexes. All you need is a sharp mind complemented by smart work," says an experienced Nysa.

"There's no doubt that when you step out into the so called male-dominated society things don't come easy to you. Being a woman you have to be very cautious about your actions at all times. Because one slip and the first thing that is targeted is your character and your integrity is challenged. So one has to be professional and yet have a good rapport with your male /female counterparts or colleagues. Unfortunately few people still love to hate a woman in power. 'A female boss is always a bitch and a female subordinate is bound to be a bitch' is a patent thing to think," says Nysa.

"As a woman I expect and hope that my gender is never a limitation to anything that I plan or wish to do or venture into. I also feel that women should think about keeping their self respect. They should refuse to be treated like a doormat and they'll be bestowed with this power only when they're independent and educated. They should be responsible towards them. Every woman should think about making a contribution towards society. And being in so many roles she can change the way people around her think. As mothers she can teach her children/son to treat girls with respect and not encourage any wrong actions. And these sons will tomorrow set example for their children and friends by being good fathers and husbands," suggests Nysa.