At just 13, Kiran* endured not only a brutal gang-rape but also the shame, vilification, and threats that followed in her small Indian village. Instead of silence, she chose to speak out—turning her pain into a powerful fight for justice. Now, years later, she is taking her message to the world stage, sharing her story through the Oscar-nominated documentary To Kill A Tiger.
Directed by Nisha Pahuja, To Kill A Tiger follows Kiran’s journey and the unwavering support of her father as they defy societal norms and demand justice. The documentary, which has gained international recognition, sheds light on the deep-rooted stigma surrounding sexual violence in India and beyond.
“I was made to feel guilty for what happened to me. But I knew the shame wasn’t mine to carry,” Kiran said in a recent interview. “No survivor should feel like they have to suffer in silence.”
Despite immense pressure to drop the case, Kiran and her family stood firm. Their courage has not only resulted in justice but has also sparked conversations about victim-blaming, the need for better legal support, and the role of communities in preventing sexual violence.
As To Kill A Tiger gains attention worldwide, Kiran is using the platform to advocate for survivors. She hopes her story will encourage more victims to seek justice and society to shift the blame from survivors to perpetrators.
Her message is clear: It is time to break the silence, shift the shame, and stand with survivors.
