Akshay Kumar: “It’s ridiculous that women are treated as untouchables”

In the midst of promoting his much-awaited big release ‘PadMan’, Akshay Kumar is using this as a great opportunity to raise awareness on the way in which many women are treated when it comes to the menstrual cycle. Talking to the media, Kumar expresses how the way many communities still treat women negatively needs to change.

“It’s ridiculous that women are treated as untouchables. Men sarcastically inform others ‘Hey, these women are having a Test Match (since the game lasts for five days too). So they shouldn’t be allowed near gods’ idols,” Deccan Chronicle reports Kumar expressing.

He went on to add, “And they’re treated as if they’re outsiders. They’re made to sleep in the verandas. It’s a natural phenomenon and it’s high time menstruating women are allowed to move around freely. They shouldn’t be subjected to this untouchability in any situation.”

The actor explained how encouraging girls to feel positive about themselves during puberty is also very important, and being a natural body change is something that needs to be practiced amongst many communities. “When you celebrate the fact that a girl has hit puberty, the girl who is already going through a physical and hormonal change will feel something good has happened to her. She will be confident and secure. I don’t understand why we Indians think we need to hide anything related to periods,” Kumar expressed.

During the trailer of the film, it seems Kumar is not only wearing pink underwear but as his character also wears a sanitary towel as well. When asked about this, Kumar simple said, “Wearing the panties with a sanitary pad was not at all challenging and shameful for me. I did it with complete ease. You guys may feel it’s a challenge, but it’s the most natural thing. The day you stop seeing it as a challenge, more women will be comforted.”

He further added, “I didn’t think my role in the movie spoke about a sensitive issue. I’m glad I’m seeing more and more people discussing pads on social media. That’s a victory in its own way.”

Directed by R. Balki, ‘Padman’ also stars Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor.