Shruti Haasan opens up on period pain, jokes she prayed men would get periods too
The actor spoke on Soha Ali Khan's podcast about her PCOS-related period pain and the need for period leave on film sets
Actor Shruti Haasan, known for speaking her mind, has now spoken candidly about menstruation. She talked about the painful periods she experiences due to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
Appearing on Soha Ali Khan's podcast, Shruti spoke openly about periods, the difficulties of working on set, and the idea of a "period holiday".
Speaking light-heartedly, Shruti said men never understand the pain women go through during periods. She said she has prayed to God thousands of times that men should get periods too. She said if men experienced this, they would understand the importance of a "period holiday" at the workplace. She also said contracts should include a provision for period leave.
Shruti said that early in her career she was scared to talk about periods on set, and felt she should not discuss the subject with anyone. But she later realised that if she told the team about her pain in advance, they could plan the shoot schedule accordingly.
She recounted the experience of a co-star who had informed the team in advance about knee surgery, after which the whole team planned the shooting schedule keeping the co-star's condition in mind. Seeing this gave Shruti the confidence to speak openly about her own period pain. When she told the director about it, he told her that his own daughter suffered severe pain during her periods. Shruti said this changed her outlook on the subject.
Shruti said that if the team knows about her difficulty, they can be more supportive. So now, she does not hide it when she gets her period. "I will work, but if you know what condition I am going through, you can support me more," she said.
Shruti Haasan has previously spoken candidly about her personal life too. She had said she felt scared at the idea of marriage, worried it might affect the identity and independence she has worked hard to build. However, she said she believes in love and commitment in relationships and has expressed a desire to become a mother in future. Her latest remarks on periods and "period holidays" have put her back in the spotlight.
