Sheroes TV begins where silence usually starts — in a world where stories of survivors often end at their suffering. India’s first video platform for feminist dialogue led by acid attack survivors launched on May 25, 2025. The platform amplifies stories of resilience, courage and equality, breaking stereotypes through the experiences of women who have overcome immense challenges. Since its launch, Sheroes TV has released 24 videos, including nine long-form interviews and 15 short stories, produced by acid attack survivors. The YouTube channel has gathered 38,917 views and a growing subscriber base of 321.
The Reason Behind the Platform
Many survivors of acid and burn attacks struggle against stigma, discrimination and the challenge of finding work across India. Platforms like Sheroes TV offer them not just visibility but a space where their voices, experiences and strength can be heard.
The Chhanv Foundation, which runs Sheroes TV, has built a network of nearly 100 survivors. Approximately 30 survivors are now employed in its various projects. The foundation also runs four cafes in Agra, Lucknow, Noida and Delhi. These cafes have employed around 50 survivors. Hundreds of others have received counselling, education and career support from the foundation.
Sheroes TV now operates independently, without external funding. But even with its pioneering model, the platform and its sister ventures struggle financially. The foundation still relies heavily on small acts of support and crowdfunding to sustain its network of survivors.
From Victimhood to Voice
“After the film Chhapak portrayed our work, we realized the world saw survivors only through their pain. We wanted to show them as leaders not victim ” – Akriti Das, Board Liaison Officer and Communications Head at Chhanv Foundation.
Survivors receive training in communication and journalism, stepping into roles as anchors, interviewers and storytellers on the platform. Through conversations with guests from diverse fields, they raise questions, lead debates and bring feminist perspectives to mainstream digital media.
Courage through Camera: Mousumi Halder
Mousumi Halder embodies the essence and spirit of Sheroes TV. This West Bengal native joined the Chhanv Foundation in 2021, following a burn accident in 2019. She worked at Sheroes cafes and explored her love for art and crafts before transitioning to television, a move that terrified her. Her Bengali accent and limited Hindi reading skills made her nervous. But with encouragement and training, she persevered.
“Earlier, we were the ones being interviewed; now, we’re the ones asking the questions,” Halder said.
Today, she hosts interviews with journalists, poets and public figures, embodying her own definition of empowerment:
“Never give up. Even when life tests you, trust yourself. Courage and confidence can rebuild everything.” -Says Mousumi.
Anshu Rajput, another anchor on Sheroes TV, was attacked at age 15 by a 55-year-old man. Her story highlights the trauma, lack of immediate treatment and the long journey of rehabilitation that many survivors face.
Beyond the Screen
The foundation is expanding beyond video. Plans include the Sheroes Store, where survivors can sell handmade products, and the Sheroes Pink Cab Service, to be driven by survivors themselves. Das acknowledges the challenges — from survivors’ initial hesitation to appear on camera to ongoing funding struggles. But the response has exceeded expectations.
“People have never seen a survivor-led platform like this before,” she said.
On a recent afternoon, Halder sat behind the camera, preparing for her next interview. The questions were written out before her, but she had already memorised them. She adjusted the microphone, straightened her notes and looked directly into the lens.
For years, others had told her story. Now, finally, she was telling it herself.
The camera rolled, and Mousumi Halder began to speak.
Editor: Ajeena Rose