The recent incident of the death of Vismaya, a medico student from Kollam, after being allegedly harassed by the in-laws for dowry has sent shock waves around the state. Netizens and celebrities have expressed their dissent over the dowry system which still prevails in many parts of the country.

In her recent social media post, the ‘Chithram’ actress Ranjini shared that it is ‘sad’ to see dowry-related deaths, especially in Kerala. The actress expressed that she cannot understand why a bride’s family should give dowry to their own daughter’s wedding despite the acts to curb it and she also asked who should be blamed her - groom or the bride.

Ranjini also urged that instead of marrying off the daughter to someone who demands dowry, invest that money for her academics. “Education is more valuable than gold,” she said. “It is sad in seeing dowry related deaths especially in Kerala.....I don’t understand why a bride’s family should give dowry in the facade of gifts (gold, flat, car, cash, gadgets etc) for their own daughter’s wedding while we have The Dowry Prohibition Act 1961, whom is to be blamed here - groom or bride? I sincerely appeal to all the parents not to ruin your child’s life as it is better not to marry-off to someone who asks for dowry, instead provide your daughters with good education. Education is more valuable than gold. #stopdowry,” Ranjini said in her post.

Many celebrities from Malayalam cinema have also reacted about the recent incident. Actor Kalidas Jayaram penned an emotional note. “Deeply saddened and torn apart to know of Vismaya V Nair and the reasons that led to the devastating consequence,” he said.

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