Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, yet it's often shrouded in silence and reluctance to be discussed. However, in recent years, the conversation around menopause gained momentum as many celebrities began sharing their experiences, highlighting the importance of open discussions about this stage of life.
Like many issues, we often wait for prominent figures to speak out before we feel comfortable discussing them ourselves. Following Hollywood's lead, several Indian celebrities have now begun to share their menopause journeys and the challenges they faced. Here’s a look at which Indian stars have opened up about menopause and what they’ve shared.
We Talk Menopause: Indian Celebrities Share Their Stories
Tisca Chopra
In one of the conversations helmed by SheThePeople regarding womanhood, Tisca Chopra called for a reassessment of the definitions of womanhood and femininity. Focusing on the psychological impacts, the 50-year-old actor opened up about perimenopause, menopause, and other women's health topics that are often whispered about in society.
Chopra highlighted how women face an identity crisis during menopause due to societal definitions of womanhood being tied to reproductive abilities. She shared a humorous yet harsh conversation with her cousin, who had undergone menopause. "I asked her what was going on, and she said, 'Don't ask me anything. Just don't ask me anything!' Then she said, 'Ande khatam ho gaye saare!' (I've run out of eggs), and we all laughed. But then she asked, 'Am I only seen as a man if I am useful or not?'"
She continued, "Does my sense of humour, education, work, experience, or just me—my soul, my energy—have no meaning? So what if I ran out of eggs? There is so much more to me." Chopra also emphasised the importance of women claiming their space in society and prioritising themselves. "The misogyny is very deep-rooted, even within ourselves. I think we must prioritise ourselves. I am not a mom first, not a daughter first, not a wife first, and not a sister first. I am me first."
Namita Thapar
In one of the episodes of the business reality show Shark Tank India, the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Namita Thapar, opened up about her battle with perimenopause. In a video shared on X, Thapar revealed that she became anaemic, and bled so much during her periods that it was uncomfortable for her to even sit down while shooting for the reality show. She added that haemoglobin went to 8 (g/dl), and she had to take injections for five months.
Sudha Murty
In a conversation with Shaili Chopra, Sudha Murty discussed the changes that come with menopause, advocating for acceptance and healthy distractions during challenging times. She acknowledges the inevitable hormonal shifts and physical changes, stating, "I should accept that my skin will wrinkle... I am going to put on a little more weight. I should accept that sometimes there is a butterfly here." Her message emphasises self-love and resilience, encouraging women to embrace their bodies and prioritise their well-being.
Murty rejects the notion of menopause as a 'barren land' and instead sees it as a phase that demands more from women. "I should walk more; I should exercise more...So, when you sit down, remember, because this is happening, and do something else that interests you," she advises, challenging stereotypes that depict menopause as a period of decline.
Lara Dutta
Lara Dutta stated, "I realised that women's health and wellness are rarely discussed as they should be. In our country, sadly, most women lack access to proper physical and medical healthcare facilities, let alone reproductive health." She further added, “Menopause is often neglected as a priority.”
Shamita Shetty
In a conversation with Etimes, Shamita Shetty shared, "I've always taken care of my workout and diet, so being fit is a big part of who I am. But for a year and a half, I kept putting on weight and couldn’t understand why. I was constantly trying to find ways to conceal it. I kept getting hot flushes and thought I was hitting menopause. My doctor had me undergo several tests, which showed it wasn’t menopause. Then, I came across a video about perimenopause on social media and read some articles. When I spoke to my female friends, some of them had the same symptoms, while others had more severe ones."
"Talking with my sister and friends helped me understand perimenopause better. The gym has always been my happy place, but there were times when I just didn’t feel like working out. I would cry because my body didn’t feel right. It's important to get the necessary blood tests done and check your vitamin levels. Workouts really helped me. So, hit the gym, whether it’s weight training, cardio, kickboxing, or yoga. Exercise helps keep stress levels in check. Just love and accept yourself."
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