Indian actresses are slut-shamed for having had multiple boyfriends: Alia Bhatt

Conservatism runs all too well across the border and for someone like Alia Bhatt this kind of ideology is what always keeps her on her toes.

In an interview with HuffPo, the actor spoke her mind about the slut-shaming Bollywood actors will face if they ever openly talked about their relationships and their need to keep their private lives hidden.

"Here [India], girls having multiple boyfriends is still a huge-ass deal and something that is frowned upon," she said. "I mean, look at Taylor Swift. She's dated, like, everybody. But if she was here, she'd be totally shamed for making those choices. Her image and appeal would be very different. The reason actresses don't talk about their private lives is because in our society there is a lot of slut-shaming. Eventually, I have a responsibility and I have to protect myself."

Which explains why she chooses to stay mum on her equation with Bollywood hunk Sidharth Malhotra.

"I don't want to be in a position where they [media] come after me because I broke up with a dude. 'Oh, aapka break-up ho gaya, ab agla kaun? Who's next?' This shallow and stupid thinking is just the reality of our society which doesn't allow women to be the way they'd like to be — free and independent," she added.

She explained that "in India, you are a part of a society that's very judgmental," because of which they (Bollywood actors) have "a very real price to pay."

But it's not just the relationships that trigger problems for these stars, it's also the 'star' label that comes with their celebrity status.

When asked what the hardest part about being Alia Bhatt is, she replied that she always had to put on a facade.

"You don't get the chance to be wrong. As a star, I am a role model and I need to convey the 'right' message — you see there's a moral code sneaking in there. [If] I am having an awful day. I cannot pretend to be happy. Give me a day off, man. But no, as Alia Bhatt, I am always on duty, always acting," explained the young star.

She admits that you are always scrutinised, always under the microscope.

"There's a lot of pressure. Like, yes, you get to fly First Class and it's all very fancy and awesome but the minute you land at the airport, you're scrutinised for the choice of your footwear. I mean, I don't want that," said Alia.