7 Times Bollywood Actresses Spoke Fearlessly About Menstruation

Gone are the days when women, especially Bollywood actresses used to shy away from speaking about menstruation. In fact actors like Parineeti Chopra and Shraddha Kapoor have been endorsing sanitary napkins like a pro. While our country still believes in the taboos associated to menstruation and term it as a ‘problem’ for women that they are ‘down’, here’s a series of quotes from Bollywood divas who fearlessly spoke about periods. 

Kriti Sanon

“A shocking 58% of urban women from the southern states of India do not touch pickle during their periods, more so 60% of women across South India agree that it’s embarrassing to watch sanitary napkins commercials while watching TV with family. I want to encourage & urge all these women to go forth and defy regressive traditions in their pursuit of success.”

Shraddha Kapoor

"I remember that I definitely did not speak about it openly, because that's how they condition you, right? But yes, I used to tease the boys in my school. I made it a point to tell them that I am on my period because that would make them turn all coy and shy, and I loved that. They would be like, 'How can you say that?' and I would say, 'Well, I just can.' The reactions of boys to this are very entertaining. I don't mind PMS jokes at all. In fact, I enjoy it, but what I enjoy even more is them getting all embarrassed.”

Parineeti Chopra

“It’s a shame that men are still not aware about Periods! It’s a shame that men call it a problem! “You have to talk about it…You can’t be shy about it.” Parineeti is also of the opinion that "It's 2016, it's crazy that we talk like this!"

Kareena Kapoor Khan

"I'd like to see this issue being talked about in the media, on websites, not behind closed doors.” Furthermore, she stated that "God created this, periods are natural. So, how can we say women are impure during their periods? I have a 30 days schedule in a month. We do not stop working but use the right products, keep healthy and clean. Why should others, especially girls, be termed dirty or compelled to miss school?”

Kalki Koechlin

"My profession demands extensive travel, long shooting hours and rigorous rehearsals - and I simply cannot restrict myself due to these taboos imposed on us." She added, "While some of us women go about our professional lives with relative ease in the days of our periods, there are thousands my age who 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...”

Tanvi Azmi

source tellychakkar

“I have personally successfully defied these taboos during my time. If I had followed these ‘pseudo’ traditions like my peers did, I would have been stuck with a regressive mindset and would have brought up the next generation with similar restrictions! As parents, we must have the right discussions around menstruation – and at correct times – with our children. Taboos that perpetuate our society must simply have no place. It is very encouraging to see that 96% Women from Bangalore agree that they should talk more openly about menstruation. Menstruation is considered a sign of good health & fertility and should be taken in that spirit.”

Swara Bhaskar

"Periods are not a reason to skip school, bunk classes, stop playing sports or sit at home alone. Periods are not a crime, nor are they taboo. They can be discussed. Even on the dinner table!"