Women = rockstars!

Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi reveals his hitherto unseen sensitive side as he candidly talks about contemporary women, double standards that get his goat and what it takes to make a marriage work

There is only one word I would use to describe today's woman: rockstar. They are focussed, sorted, meticulous, strong-headed and completely hands on. I love such women, and my wife Maria (Goretti) is one such person. She runs my company, and I trust her implicitly. She knows exactly how to extract work from people and how to deal with people who don't do their job. For me, she embodies the spirit of today's woman.

A matter of equality

Gender equations have changed in the last 20, and I personally like the way things are going. Today, women can do anything. They can be CEOs of companies, head political parties, rule the country. We even have female cab-drivers and bus-drivers now. However, this is only just happening in the literate, progressive sections of society.

I believe there are some things that will simply take more time to transpire. The film industry has a long way to go. It is, unfortunately, still the 'hero' who guarantees a big opening at the box office. Another thing that ticks me off is the way women are treated here. Mind you, it's no longer in-your-face; in fact, outwardly, people are quite respectful to women. However, I have seen the way people talk about them behind closed doors, and it isn't pretty. I have often been very vocal in my opposition of such things and have fought with many people on this.

Another thing I don't like is the way women are labelled. If a guy sleeps around, he's called a 'dude' or 'player'; whereas a woman who does the same is immediately classified as a slut. I personally admire a woman who has the guts to do what her heart pleases. I respect Madonna. She lives her life the way she wants to.

Balancing act

I'm a great believer in balance when it comes to the dynamics between men and women. I believe both have equally important roles when it comes to their places in society. I believe responsibilities and duties need to be clearly demarcated as well as shared, depending on the situation. There was a time when Maria was working and I was out of work for quite a long period of time. During this time, I cooked, cleaned and did everything just like any housewife. I don't think that's anything to be ashamed about.

Marriage is one of the best things that has happened to me. I have a beautiful wife, two adorable kids and I don't think a man could ask for anything more. Maria and I have been through 10 amazing years of marital bliss. Yes, we've had our ups and downs. You do fight with your spouse from time to time, or else I believe you’re not in a good marriage. The feeling that you call love is temporary; eventually, you need to start being responsible and willing to make compromises to make things work. Ultimately, men and women are only complete when they’re together.