MUMBAI: Bollywood director and actor Farhan Akhtar, Sunday began tweeting slogans on being a ‘MARD’.

The word ‘MARD’ in hindi means Man. The filmmaker has used it in short for “Men Against Rape and Discrimination” with a view to create awareness amongst men to instill gender equality and respect towards women.

In light of the many rape attacks taking place throughout the country, Bollywood has voiced its support for stricter laws and an overall change in thought process. The national outrage against these heinous attacks continues ever since the country was shaken by the Nirbhaya Gang Rape Case.

Farhan Akhtar tweeted, “If you are a man who respects women… her rights, her dignity, her independence, her mind, her body, her life… you are a #MARD.”

Bollywood stars Farah Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Boman Irani, Shabana Azmi, Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor and many of Farhan’s followers re-tweeted the message. In less than 24 hours the “movement” began trending in New Delhi through the social media.

Farhan has kept the buzz on with regular posts and an image of MARD, inked in red and black with the letter ‘A’ shaped as a mustache.

“Change is inevitable. Be part of it. Spread the awareness of what it means to be a real #MARD.”

“You are a real #MARD if you respect her choice to say No.”

“You are a real #MARD if you respectfully earn the love of a woman.”

“You are a real #MARD when you treat your daughter & son as equals.”

“You are a real #MARD when women feel safe in your company or your presence.”