From Jaya Bachchan To Alia Bhatt: Celebrities Breaking The Period Stigma

In her granddaughter, Navya Naveli Nanda's podcast, veteran actor Jaya Bachchan discussed her challenges on set when she was younger. She talked about how uncomfortable it was to work during periods and mentioned that the sanitary pads back then were different from those used today. Bachchan said they didn’t have the kind of sanitary pads we have today that we stick on. They had to make a belt with two ends, towels on had loops, to tie tape to it.

Now that periods and challenges are being discussed openly on public platforms let's look at the celebrities who opened up about this sensitive topic.

Actors On Period Stigma

Kalki Koechlin

When discussing menstruation and the social customs surrounding it, she said: "My profession demands extensive travel, long shooting hours, and rigorous rehearsals – and I cannot restrict myself due to these taboos imposed on us. While some women go about their professional lives with relative ease in the days of our periods, thousands my age live every day bogged down by restrictions and taboos. I want to encourage and urge women to go forth and defy regressive traditions in their pursuit of success."

Alia Bhatt

Alia brought up the limitations that apply to women during their periods. In an earlier interview, she discussed how monthly bleeding is natural and a reminder that women can give birth to another life. She said, "Girls not being allowed to enter shrines when they’re menstruating; no conditions must apply there. How are women deemed "ashudh" when bleeding? It’s beyond ridiculous. Don’t people know why we bleed? It’s a sign that we can give birth to another life. Disallowing women to enter temples during their periods angers me. It’s absurd because it’s the rule of nature. There’s nothing wrong with you, girls. It’s just a thought process that needs to change."

Taapsee Pannu

Pannu has been seen repeatedly breaking the stereotypes and following her own way. In an interview, she broke the stigma surrounding periods and said, "If only stereotypes were taboo and our period wasn’t. If only rashes were more alarming and carrying pads openly wasn’t. If only getting period leave was normal and saying it’s just a matter of two days wasn’t. If only saying I am on my period was common and saying I am down or I am chumming wasn’t."

Kareena Kapoor

Kapoor highlighted the work factor associated with periods and said, "Every woman’s body is different, and their comfort levels are different. Some people have back pain or terrible cramps, and if a woman cannot come to work, every company should understand that."

Radhika Apte

When it comes to menstruation, Radhika has always gone against social norms. She was a part of the Padman film, which sought to question societal norms regarding menstruation. Additionally, Radhika participated in a period campaign with Rio pads that blatantly displayed the period as red. Recalling her first period, she said, "I remember the day my periods started; I figured that they’d started. So, I went to the bathroom in the middle of a class. I remember feeling very proud the day I got my periods."

Suggested Reading: Sania Mirza: Why Do Petty Gossips Win Over Women’s Goals And Achievements?