Ananya Panday has now partnered with Whisper to announce its newest product, the Ultra Upto No Gap No Leaks. As the brand ambassador, she is leading the most important conversation on how to address the real issues at the core of women’s and girls’ lives each month-to create understanding and find pragmatic solutions.
Showsha, Ananya spoke about the challenges women actors face on period days while shooting outdoors where access to washrooms is minimal. She recalled, “When I first started acting, a friend asked me if I work even when I’m on my period. We don’t have a choice; life has to go on. Some days are easy, and I barely notice my period, but on others, it’s really tough, especially without bathrooms available and when wearing specific outfits that can be uncomfortable.”
Ananya also spoke about her experience with getting her first period and how her mom, Bhavana Panday, helped eradicate the stigma associated with menstruation. “I was in school when I got my first period, and I didn’t understand what had happened because nobody had talked to me about it. When I went home, my mum and grandmother made it a moment of celebration. They gave me gifts and told me it was something to be proud of.”
Education being the focal point, Ananya stated that school students need more awareness about this. “Period conversations are a part of the curriculum of every school. And, by the time my sister’s turn came around, things were a lot different; she knew exactly what would happen.” With a personal story, Ananya drives home the important lesson: periods should never be embarrassing, and frank talk goes a long way to dissolving the stigmatic cloak around menstruation.
