It should be fundamental for women to be financially independent – Saie Tamhankar

Pune, April 23, 2018: “I wish I had saved some money back in those years when had begun earning from my films but was spending recklessly without saving a penny. I had no one to guide me about money. My mother used to advice me to put something aside from my earning but when you are 21 the last thing you do is listen to your parents. It was only when responsibilities came my way that I realised how important it is for every woman to be financially independent and to set aside money for herself,” award winning actor Saie Tamhankar said recently.

Tamhankar was replying to a query by author Sudha Menon about what advice she would have for her 21-year-old self, looking back at her life. Menon was in conversation with her during the second edition of PuneWaali, a chat show series with accomplished Pune women moderated by author Sudha Menon for ShethePeopleTv.

The actor of movies including Tu Hi Re, Pune 52 and Duniyadaari said that it was only recently she has learnt about the importance of money in the lives of women. “Being financially independent gives a woman security and the freedom to make choices about her own life,” Tamhankar said.

Replying to the same query, art promoter Lisa Pingale, co-founder of the Mona Lisa Kalagram said that she wished her 21-year-old self had more self-worth and confidence to live the life that she dreamt of. “When I was that age I yearned to follow my own path but chose to live the life that those around me expected of me because I did not have a sense of self confidence. It was only much later that I developed self-worth and the self-confidence to follow my own dream,” she said.

It was a packed house at The Flour Works, Salunkhe Vihar, where PuneWaali was held and both the women spoke about a variety of issues that concerns the modern woman’s life including relationships, societal judgement, money and trolling on social media.

“As a public figure I am now used to the fact that I am constantly being watched on social media, including a 1 million community on my FB page. I am grateful for their love and support, but I have also experienced strident trolling on social media about my choice about my life, my choice of roles, clothes and lifestyle. My stand on this is very clear: My personal life is my own business. I don’t allow the trolling to touch either my head or my heart,” expressed Tamhankar.

The actor added that she was glad to use her influence as a public figure to help drive social causes such as water and environment conservation. She is actively associated with actor Aamir Khan’s Paani Foundation and spends time carrying the message of water conservation into villages around Maharashtra.

The star, who is known for her bold choice of roles in films such as Pune 52 and the Hindi film, Hunterr, said she consciously chose roles that broke stereotypes and were about people our society who do not fit into slots that society has created. “Why do we find it difficult to talk about or acknowledge people who don’t fit into our idea of society as all black or white and don’t fit our pre-set societal norms? I am hungry for roles or characters that are grey and edgy because as an actor I need to constantly test where I stand as an actor and as a performer. I choose to follow my instincts and it has always worked for me.”

Pingale, who began her career as a French language teacher said that her life has been enriched by the fact that she has chosen to follow her various interests and even the opportunities that life has thrown up. Her passion for flower arrangement and Ikebana brought up an opportunity to plan a wedding that eventually led to a 17-year stint as a celebrity wedding planner. Four years ago, she and her mother, Ikebana master Mona Pingale, decided to develop a part of their ancestral family home into an art and craft gallery that has since developed into a vibrant space for artists and crafts people. “I think it is important for every woman to get to know herself well, figure out what she really wants in life and follow up her chosen path with determination. Challenges will always be part of the journey, but they teach you hard lessons,” said Pingale.

Both women spoke passionately about the need for women to take time away from the constant concerns about family, spouse, children and other responsibilities to appreciate and celebrate themselves, their choices and their achievements. “Women should learn that to nurture and love themselves. It is ok to gift yourself something that you really love,” Tamhankar said.

“Making our own life choices, living on our own terms without feeling guilty and without worrying about what society has to say about us is truly liberating,” Pingale added.

Pune Waali, the monthly live chat will celebrate the lives, achievements and journeys of women who can motivate and inspire other women. The chat show has been launched by SheThePeopleTv, the country’s biggest digital platform for telling the stories of women and touches some 15 million women every month through online and offline platforms that allow them to meet, discuss, network, support and catalyze their individual growth efforts. SheThePeople.TV also has similar chat shows celebrating the lives of women in Bombay and Bangalore, among others. The first edition of show featured Natarang actor Sonalee Kulkarni and popular Radio Jockey, RJ Shonali.