Media in the country is really a strong force today: Mallika Sherawat

Actress Mallika Sherawat has expressed her displeasure over increasing number of rape cases in India. She has said that from the land of Mahatma Gandhi, the country had become a land of gang rapists.

Sherawat was interacting with the media at the special screening of Daas Dev on Wednesday here.

President Ram Nath Kovind on 22 April approved an ordinance to provide death penalty for those convicted of raping girls younger than 12 years.

Sherawat said: "I think what's happening with women and children of this country is absolutely shameful.

"From the land of Gandhi, we have become a land of gang rapists and I think it's the media in the country that is really a strong force today. So all hopes are pinned on the media.

"If it's not in the media, then nobody would know about these cases. I think because of pressure from the media, these new laws have been enforced. So we are really thankful to the media for this," she added.

"We haven't been able to protect women and children of our country and I have been reading about such kind of crimes on a daily basis in newspapers."

On director Sudhir Mishra's film Daas Dev, Sherawat said: "I have seen the trailer of the movie. I am a fan of Sudhir Mishra's films and I love him as a director."

On her upcoming projects, the Murder (2004) actress said: "There is one international show, of which I have acquired legal rights to remake in India... The same way as 24 (American) series was made in India. I will be making an announcement for that very soon. It is an Emmy Award-winning show."