"Don’t blame your dress or your lipstick."
Aishwarya Rai has spoken out against street harassment in a new video released as part of L’Oreal Paris’ Stand Up training programme.
The iconic actress delivers a clear message at a time when conversations about women’s safety remain necessary and relevant.
The campaign aims to empower people to act when they witness harassment in public, and her video has already spread rapidly across social media.
In the video, Aishwarya addressed the issue directly by asking:
“How do you deal with street harassment?”
Dismissing outdated advice, Aishwarya urged women to confidently approach the problem, with her message focusing on self-worth.
She rejected the notion that women should blame themselves for someone else’s actions.
The message forms part of L’Oreal Paris’ Stand Up training programme, which educates people on how to intervene safely when witnessing harassment.
Aishwarya Rai, who has been associated with the brand for over a decade, called for a proactive and honest response to the everyday experiences faced by women.
In the video, she said: “Avoid eye contact? No. Look the problem directly in the eyes. Hold your head high.
“Feminine and feminist – my body, my worth. Never compromise your worth. Do not doubt yourself.
“Stand up for your worth. Don’t blame your dress or your lipstick. Street harassment is never your fault.”
The video was met with widespread praise and support.
One wrote in the comments section: “Street harassment is so real and not spoken about enough. Love this.”
Another wrote: “A powerful reminder and important message for young girls and women everywhere.”
A third added: “Someone had to talk about this.”
One comment read: “Great message, my queen.”
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This is not the first time Aishwarya has spoken about societal issues.
In August 2025, Aishwarya addressed self-worth and said she doesn’t rely on social media approval for it:
“I know my value, but what truly determines that?
“Is it the type of images shared? The quantity of likes? Or perhaps the feedback on social platforms?”
“We have granted such influence to these elements. The authority to define our self-worth.
“There’s little distinction between social media and societal pressure. As a woman and a mother, it’s deeply concerning to consider the impact it can have on young minds. Honestly, even on impressionable adults.
“This cannot continue. We need to make a decision. Let’s not seek our self-worth in other places, especially not on social media. Value is inherent.”
On the film front, Aishwarya Rai was last seen in Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (2023), which grossed more than Rs 344 crore globally and received strong reviews.
Her performance earned her the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Critics) award at the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA), adding to her long list of accolades.
Abhishek Bachchan praised her performance and called it her “best work till date”.
The couple share a daughter and are often in the public eye, but Aishwarya’s latest campaign has drawn particular attention for its focus on social issues and direct communication with viewers.
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