Veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah has at all times been identified for talking truthfully. At a current occasion in Hyderabad, she spoke about her adolescence and the way it was formed by the combo of strict traditions and fashionable pondering in her household. Talking at a FICCI FLO session, she shared that being raised principally round girls, with only one male cousin, strongly influenced how she sees gender roles and society.
A Painful Reminiscence from Childhood
Regardless of being surrounded by sturdy girls, Ratna recalled a painful childhood reminiscence that exposed deep-rooted sexism, even in educated households. She remembered how her paternal grandmother reacted with loud grief when her sister Supriya was born, leaving younger Ratna confused and damage by the unhappiness over a child lady’s arrival.Understanding Gender Bias at House
This expertise deeply impacted Ratna, making her understand how early gender discrimination begins—typically proper at residence. She noticed that even in educated, upper-class households, girls and boys are handled unequally. She believes that except this refined and apparent bias is addressed, attaining true gender equality will stay troublesome.
A Father Who Broke Stereotypes
Amidst the ache, Ratna discovered hope in her father’s response to her sister Supriya’s delivery. He selected to problem the regressive mindset in his personal method. As an alternative of following the standard customized of distributing totally different sweets for girls and boys, he gave out the one meant for boys—signaling equal worth.
Navigating Motherhood in a Male-Dominated House
Reflecting on motherhood, Ratna shared that elevating two sons felt each entertaining and weird, particularly since she grew up surrounded principally by girls. She wasn’t absolutely ready for the expertise and sometimes felt annoyed by the refined methods boys have been anticipated to obtain extra privileges merely due to their gender.
The actor additionally spoke about her relationship together with her sister, Supriya Pathak, acknowledging that their bond wasn’t at all times easy, particularly in childhood. Ratna admitted she wasn’t the most effective sister and sometimes acted like an emotional bully. Trying again, she’s relieved that section stayed up to now and their bond advanced.
Regardless of their contrasting personalities, Ratna and Supriya Pathak share a robust bond that has deepened through the years. With time and understanding, their relationship has advanced, and Ratna finds consolation in figuring out that somebody who actually will get her exists on the planet—somebody who seems like a mirrored image of herself.
