Mumbai: Rhythm Sanadhya, who is a popular song director and has worked with singers and artists like Shahid Mallya, Jubin Nautiyal, and Asees Kaur, among others, and recently directed Har Safar Mein from Kapil Sharma's movie Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, has directed Dil Jania with Monalisa Bhosle, the Mahakumbh viral girl, and shares that Women's Day is much more than a celebration for her. Speaking on the occasion of International Women's Day, which is observed on March 8, she said, "Women’s Day, to me, is more than a celebration."
"It is a reflection on how far women have come, resistance against the barriers that still exist, and deep gratitude for the strength, courage, and resilience carried by women every single day. It is a reminder that empowerment is not just a moment, but a continuous journey," she added.
She pointed out that the definition of “empowered woman” has evolved over the years. She said, "Earlier, empowerment often meant breaking barriers and fighting for equal rights. Today, it goes deeper. It means having the freedom to choose your own path, the confidence to use your voice, and the courage to live life on your own terms."
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Apr 18, 2026"In today’s world, empowerment is not just about success in society or the workplace, but also about self-respect, independence, and lifting other women as we rise," she added.
Asked about her thoughts on financial independence, she said, "I truly feel proud that our government is supporting businesses and entrepreneurship in many ways. There are several schemes available today that encourage women to start and establish their own work.
I strongly believe it is very important for every woman to be financially independent so that she can face any adverse situation in life with confidence, without having to depend on her husband or family for her daily needs."
"Trust me, it is a wonderful feeling to earn and to be able to make even one person in your family happy through your efforts. However, despite the progress we see today, certain barriers still exist. Social expectations, unequal opportunities, and the challenge of balancing professional and personal responsibilities can sometimes make the journey more difficult for women," she added.
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Apr 16, 2026She went on to say that society needs to make certain changes to ensure that Women’s Day becomes a celebration of equality achieved rather than equality demanded. She said, "Structurally, we need equal opportunities in education, leadership, pay, and entrepreneurship. Workplaces must create safer, more inclusive environments where women can grow without constantly having to prove their worth. Policies that support work–life balance, such as flexible working conditions and stronger support systems, are also essential."
"At the same time, the biggest shift has to happen in our mindset. Society needs to move beyond seeing women’s success as surprising or exceptional. Women should be trusted with leadership, decision-making, and authority just as naturally as men are. When opportunities, respect, and trust become equal in everyday life, Women’s Day will no longer be about demanding equality but celebrating a reality we have already built together. The day men understand that true manhood lies in embracing and supporting the full potential of women, society will become a far better place for everyone to grow and thrive," she added.
Asked her to share a personal experience, and Rhythm spoke about how people raise eyebrows on knowing that she is a director. She said, "Many question how I manage shoots at odd hours, work in challenging locations, and handle extremely long working days. Being the captain of the ship is not easy. There are times when I go sleepless for three consecutive nights, wake up early the next morning, and continue working late into the night, working in difficult climate and conditions."
"Along the way, I have also had to deal with fragile egos and people who judged my capabilities simply because I am a woman. Early in my career, I often heard that while I might be creative, executing those ideas would be too difficult for me. They believed it required immense hard work that would go beyond my physical and mental capacity. But today, I’m proud to say that I have been able to challenge and reverse those assumptions. And for me, that is what true empowerment looks like," she added.
She also shared a recent experience where she witnessed a woman working as a delivery person. She said, "A few days ago, I ordered groceries from an online shopping app, and to my surprise, a woman who is a mother of two personally delivered my parcel to my doorstep. I took a few minutes to speak with her and told her how proud I felt seeing her work so hard."
"She shared that she receives a lot of appreciation for what she does, and it makes her feel that her life is truly in her own control. Women today are redefining leadership by leading with resilience, empathy, and balance. Across industries, families, and communities, they are proving that leadership is not just about authority but about vision, collaboration, and the ability to nurture growth in others. Women are breaking stereotypes, creating space for inclusivity, and showing that strength and sensitivity can coexist. Today, leadership is not about fitting into traditional roles but about reshaping them with authenticity and courage," Rhythm ended.
