MENSTRUATION TABOOS EXIST, SAYS RADHIKA APTE

Not just men, but even women shy away from speaking about it, says RADHIKA APTE

adhika Apte, who plays a key role in Akshay Kumar-starrer Pad Man, says the menstruation taboo has not only existed among men, but also among women who are conditioned for years not to talk about the natural process openly. Pad Man, based on the story of a reallife hero, addresses the issue of menstrual hygiene and is aimed at creating awareness about it.

Asked if the film can bring any change in the society, Radhika says,“I think the taboo attached to menstruation is not only among men, but women as well. It is happening for years. Even women feel uncomfortable to talk about it openly. Mothers taught their daughters how not to talk about it openly, not to go to the kitchen or not to enter the temple. So it does not just exist among men but women as well. Though I think one film cannot bring all the changes to a practice that is happening for ages, if people start talking about menstruation comfortably, be aware of the importance of menstruation hygiene, it would be more than enough for us. And it is also about the journey

Rof an individual who struggled through his life for a cause. It is an incredible story.”

Starting her acting career in theatre, Radhika has acted not only in Bollywood films, but also in various regional language films ranging from those in Bengali and Tamil to Telugu and Malayalam.

This year, the actress is working on several projects including films like Bazaar, Bhavesh Joshi, Shoot the Piano

Player and web series Sacred Games.