Amika Shail says sexual assault can be curtailed through education

Mumbai: Singer turned actor Amika Shail, is all set to be seen in the Zee5 and Alt Balaji’s super hit franchise Gandii Baat which hits the screens on October 8, 2020. Just 9 months after the previous season wrapped up, the show returns with Season 5. With a unique format and solid storytelling, Gandii Baat has become one of the most popular web series in a short period of time.

Usually, every season has a different cast – this time the makers chose to have the singer turned actress play the female lead. Speaking on this development, a super-excited Amika said, “I am happy to be a part of this super-hit franchise. This is a sea-change from the characters I have essayed earlier on television. The subject is about peer pressure and youth sexuality.”

The series releases at a time when the entire country is seething with incidents of sexual assault. Continuing the conversation Amika says, “We as Indians are shy to talk and discuss subjects like sex and sexuality with our parents and guides. Hence the quest for the same takes us to wrong information channels wherein there is a possibility of being misled. I strongly feel that sexual assault can be prevented through education, there are countries who have run programs and campaigns resulting in sustained behavioural changes. Issues like loneliness, sexuality peer pressure, companionship, talking to your child about sex, etc. can be addressed through education. A cultural shift can only happen if we address the issue and not ignore it.”

Amika will be seen essaying the character of a college girl named Priyanka in the series. The super-talented singer turned actress will also soon be seen in the upcoming Akshay Kumar starrer ‘Laxmmi Bomb’. “Gandii Baat is an attempt to talk about topics which are considered a taboo. Sexual desires of a human being are quite natural but are unfortunately termed as abnormal and illicit in our society of late. The rebellious stories this season attempt to break this taboo delving into ‘you cannot mention’ topics - unheard in the Indian content space before and address the youth directly. It showcases realistic situations and gives the viewers a sense of what could happen when they attempt something which is beyond the boundaries of law and morality. This season will bridge the gap between Bharat and India. I hope such attempts are successful in bringing a sustained cultural change and incidents of sexual violence in the country are curbed” says Amika as she signs off.