Mumbai/IBNS: Actress Sheena Chohan, who was given the Best Actress in a Comedy Role Award at the ILLA Awards recently, gave a call to the nation regarding women’s safety.

Sheena was given the award for her character Shreya, a young, modern Mumbai woman, which she did in-depth character research to create for the web-series Ex Mates.

Sheena said, "As artists, we have such a powerful voice, but it’s time we use that voice in a positive way. While films are entertainment, they are also a form of education.

"I'm a Kolkata girl and recent events have reminded me that the most important issue for women in India is safety. We must come together and use our voices to educate people that women deserve respect."

"To use our voices together - I dedicate this award!"

Photo courtesy: Harshal Sangwe/Sheena Chohan

As United for Human Rights South Asia Ambassador, Sheena was the first Indian the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights reached out to for help promoting the UN’s 75th anniversary of human rights.

Sheena’s work with artists like Preety Zinta, Sonakshi Sinha, Raveena Tandon, Sonu Sood, Imtiaz Ali, Guneet Monga and others included a Born Free & Equal podcast on subjects like Don’t Discriminate, No Torture, The Right to a Fair and Free World, Freedom of Thought, and many more.

Meanwhile, Sheena is preparing for the release of her Hindi film debut Sant Tukaram, a feature film where she plays the female lead opposite Subodh Bhave, who just acted in Paani, a film produced by Priyanka Chopra. Sant Tukaram is directed by Aditya Om and produced by Purushottam Studios.