Gautami Kapoor, widely recognized as one of television's most beloved 'bahus' (daughters-in-law), has sparked considerable controversy and debate with her recent remarks about a potential birthday gift for her daughter. The actress revealed that she considered gifting her daughter, Sia Kapoor, a sex toy or vibrator when she turned 16.
Kapoor, known for her roles in popular Indian television dramas, shared her thoughts during an interview with Hauterfly, explaining that she wanted to give her daughter something meaningful and encourage exploration. "It's so funny that when my daughter turned 16, I had to gift her something," Kapoor stated. "I was thinking of what to gift her, and I thought if I should gift her a sex toy or a vibrator". She further explained that she wanted her daughter to experience everything life has to offer and not miss out on pleasures that many women are not exposed to.
Kapoor discussed her idea with Sia, who is now 19, and the initial reaction was one of disbelief. According to Kapoor, her daughter responded with, "Mom, have you lost it? Are you retarded or crazy?". Kapoor encouraged her daughter to think about it, asking, "Why don't you experiment?". While Sia may have been taken aback initially, Kapoor stated that her daughter now appreciates that Kapoor even considered such a gift.
The actress's comments have ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media platforms. Many netizens have expressed shock and disapproval, questioning Kapoor's parenting choices and suggesting the gift was inappropriate for a 16-year-old. Some users criticized Kapoor for not "respecting the innocence of children," while others deemed the present "ridiculous and unnecessary". One user commented, "Oh, urban India's feminism? Just a fancy word for… around! Thank the daughter's got brains, unlike her mom who's high-fivin' the host like they're cool kids, but nah, they're just cheerleadin' for pedo creeps!". Another netizen wrote, "Meet #GautamiKapoor, the sanskari wife of TV Actor Ram Kapoor. She wants to give her 16-year-old daughter a vibrator".
However, Kapoor's statement has also garnered support from some quarters. Some have applauded her open-mindedness and willingness to break taboos surrounding female sexuality and exploration. Supporters argue that providing young women with the tools and knowledge to understand their bodies is a positive step towards sexual empowerment and dismantling societal shame.
This isn't the first time a celebrity has faced backlash for similar views. Earlier this year, Brazilian actress Claudia Raia received heavy criticism after revealing on live television that she gifted her 12-year-old daughter a vibrator. Raia stated that she told her daughter to "go investigate yourself, you'll find out what you like".
The controversy surrounding Kapoor's comments highlights the ongoing debate in India and elsewhere about cultural values, parenting styles, and the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. It also underscores the challenges public figures face when discussing sensitive topics that challenge societal norms. Kapoor has yet to respond to the online criticism, but the discussion continues to unfold, raising important questions about how we approach conversations about sexuality and adolescence.
