The global One Billion Rising campaign to stop violence against women found expression in Mumbai at the Bandra amphitheatre, where actors, artistes and activists together joined hands in an event organised by the NGO Akshara.Mita Vashisht recited some verses of Kashmiri poetry, while Rahul Bose recited a message written by Eve Ensler. Students from Sophia College and TISS also performed and showcased videos created for the occasion.

The issues of sex workers, the transgendered, the disabled, dalits, lesbians and minority communities were also addressed. The highlight of the evening was Farhan Akhtar, who recited a poem and then sang a song. He also performed an encore after the crowd urged him to sing another number.

Talking about the evening, he said, “It is wonderful to see so many people here in support of this cause. I am very happy that I am here and that I could be a part of this movement.”