Aditi Govitrikar, renowned as the first Indian woman to win the Mrs. World title in 2001, has courageously opened up about her traumatic experiences of childhood abuse. In a recent interview, the actor and model delved into the safety concerns, childhood trauma, and the resilience she developed over the years. Contrary to the common perception that major cities pose the greatest risks, Aditi revealed that her most unsettling experiences occurred in Panvel, not Mumbai.
“Honestly, if you ask me safety-wise, I actually faced more disturbing incidents in Panvel. I had a few abusive experiences there, and it took me a very long time to even process them,” the 51-year-old shared with Hauterrfly. She further revealed that she didn’t speak about these incidents until she reached adulthood. Recalling that she was barely six or seven years old at the time, Aditi mentioned that one of the perpetrators was a friend of her father, while another incident involved a random stranger.
Public Transport: A Lesson in Survival
While Panvel was otherwise considered “relatively safe” compared to other areas often highlighted for safety concerns, those incidents left a lasting impact on her. As Aditi began traveling to Mumbai for her studies, safety became a constant consideration once more. “I used to come to Dadar for Agarwal Classes in the 12th standard. At that time, local trains weren’t an option for me, so I traveled by bus. I’ve done it all—public transport teaches you survival,” she recounted.
Discussing the coping mechanisms she developed at a young age, Aditi described how she used everyday objects to create personal boundaries. “I had these really big bags on both sides. Inside, I’d put hardboard books and hold them like shields. It was literally my protection. If I got a seat, I’d keep one bag on each side so no one could touch me,” she recalled.
Confronting the Pain of Familiar Faces
Echoing a reality many women face, Aditi acknowledged that abuse often comes from familiar faces. “Yes, absolutely. In my case, one incident involved someone known to the family,” she said. She added that another incident in a marketplace left her shaken, despite being too young to fully comprehend what had occurred. “You just feel so violated. That feeling is horrible—it’s never okay.”
Aditi shared that it took nearly 15 years for her to speak openly about these experiences. The conversation began organically when friends started sharing their own stories. “That was the first time all of us spoke about it openly,” she said.
Resilience and Empowerment
The impact of those early experiences, she admitted, still lingers. “There’s definitely a kind of PTSD. Even today, if someone comes too close in a public space, my body reacts automatically. I’m ready to push. I don’t take nonsense anymore,” she stated firmly. Explaining her outspoken stance on self-defense, Aditi remarked, “Every girl learns how to use her elbow—and trust me, a strong elbow hurts!”
She also recounted incidents where even security personnel behaved inappropriately. “They say, ‘Arre, galti ho gayi.’ That’s not acceptable,” she asserted. When asked if she was ever told to simply “adjust,” Aditi said no one explicitly said it to her, but she observed it growing up. “I saw my mother. I saw how she adjusted, how she managed situations. You learn by watching,” she reflected, adding that while she rebelled at times, she also learned to navigate the world smartly. “But today, I stand my ground.”
This revelation by Aditi Govitrikar not only sheds light on her personal journey of overcoming trauma but also serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that many women exhibit in the face of adversity. Her story is a testament to the importance of speaking out and supporting one another in breaking the silence surrounding abuse.
