Chhanv Foundation launches Sheroes TV, a platform led by acid attack survivors – Beyond Bollywood

The empowering digital platform sees Sheroes turn podcasters and will be in conversation with eminent personalities.

By Our Correspondent

Chhanv Foundation, the organisation known for the Sheroes Hangout Café and the Stop Acid Attacks campaign, has introduced The Sheroes TV, a video platform dedicated to feminist dialogue and led entirely by acid attack survivors. The launch took place on Saturday at Asmita Theatre Studio in Mumbai.

The platform will feature video content across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, alongside podcasts, interviews, and a series called Sheroes Talk—conversations inspired by TED Talks, but centred on women leaders and change-makers. Early episodes include discussions with actors Faisal Malik, Zeeshan Ayyub, Anshul Chauhan, and theatre artist Lokesh Mittal.

The evening began with Dastak, a performance by the Asmita Theatre Group under director Arvind Gaur, setting a strong tone for the discussion on justice and resilience.

Alok Dixit and Ashish Shukla, founders of Chhanv Foundation, spoke about the journey of Sheroes and the Stop Acid Attacks campaign. They were joined by activist Aseem Trivedi, whose ideas shaped the concept of Sheroes TV.

Survivors Anshu, Roopa, and Mousumi shared personal accounts of struggle and determination. “They tried to stop us, but we are not stopping,” said one, summing up the spirit of the evening. Despite the brutality they endured, one survivor remarked that God entrusted this pain to His strongest people, a sentiment that underscored the resilience on display. These words served as a reminder of the work Chhanv Foundation continues to do in rebuilding not just lives, but identities and confidence of survivors.

The event also featured an interactive session with personalities such as Rajiv Nigam, Vikram Singh Chauhan, Jay Thakkar, Lokesh Mittal, Sapna Bhavnani, Aisha Khan, Haidar Rizvi, Arvind Gaur, Faisal Khan, and Sheena Chouhan, who expressed support for the initiative. Bhavnani drew the loudest applause with her trademark candour, urging society not to overemphasise the label of strength for these women, but to treat them as ordinary human beings deserving equality and dignity.

“This is not just a platform; it’s a space where survivors lead conversations and shape narratives of change,” said Alok Dixit.

Sheroes TV aims to challenge stereotypes and amplify voices of courage through stories of resilience, gender justice, and empowerment.

Chhanv Foundation’s Alok Dixit also played a part in telling the story of Laxmi Agarwal, in Meghna Gulzar’s film Chhapaak (2020) that starred Deepika Padukone.