The Stream

‘Real men’ against rape in India

Bollywood star leads campaign for gender equality.

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Protesters carry placards while lying down during a rally to mourn the death of a gang rape victim, in New Delhi, India, 29 December 2012. EPA/HARISH TYAGI

Bollywood film star Farhan Akhtar is fighting to redefine “a real man” with his campaign, Men Against Rape and Discrimination (MARD). Akhtar started the project to encourage men to speak out for gender equality and respect women. It has taken off in recent months after a string of highly publicised rape cases in India.

MARD will launch its first major action on Friday by handing out 70,000 moustaches at an Indian Premier League cricket match.