- By Srishti Pandey
- Sat, 01 Jun 2024 05:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Sanjeeda Shaikh, known for her role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,' recently shared her experience of performing a 'mujra' sequence on the first day of her period. In an interview with Hauterrfly, Sanjeeda discussed the importance of being open about menstruation and credited her mother for normalizing these conversations at home.
Despite menstruation still being a taboo topic, Sanjeeda emphasized the need for women to be comfortable discussing their periods. She recalled, “I have been very vocal about my periods on sets. I am somebody who would go to the director and say I am chumming.”
Sanjeeda credited her mother for this open attitude. “My mother, when she got her periods, the first person she told was her Abba. So, for me, it’s not a big deal to go say it to a director, producer, or co-stars. I just thought it was very normal,” she explained.
She revealed that she shot the mujra sequence 'Nazariya Ki Mari' on the first day of her period. Although it was challenging, especially on the second day when her discomfort increased, Sanjeeda managed to stay focused. She appreciated the understanding of the crew, who wrapped up her work earlier than usual when she informed them about her discomfort.
Sanjeeda stressed the importance of expressing discomfort rather than suffering in silence. “You need to express yourself. If you won’t let them know, they will simply think you are very cranky. So, it is better to tell them why you are cranky in the first place. I also want to tell other women if you are not comfortable with the thought, get comfortable with it,” she said.
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In 2018, the film 'Padman' directed by R Balki and starring Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, and Radhika Apte, aimed to normalize conversations around menstruation. Similarly, during the 2020 lockdown, celebrities like Aditi Rao Hydari, Dia Mirza, Sonu Sood, Sonam Kapoor and Diana Penty participated in the Red Dot Challenge by UNICEF, encouraging women to speak openly about menstruation.