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Ananya Panday’s story is a reminder that periods are nothing to be ashamed of and that open conversations and education are key to breaking the stigma around menstruation.
Ananya Panday was last seen in CTRL.
Ananya Panday has teamed up with Whisper to launch its latest product, Whisper Ultra Upto No Gap No Leaks. As the brand ambassador, Ananya is leading a crucial conversation about real period challenges faced by women and girls, aiming to foster understanding and find practical solutions.
In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Ananya shed light on the difficulties women actors face during menstruation, especially when shooting in outdoor locations without proper access to washrooms.
“When I first started acting, a friend of mine asked me if I work even when I’m on my period,” Ananya recalls. “We don’t have a choice. Life has to go on. For me, some days are easy, and I don’t even remember that I’m on my period. But on other days, it’s really tough. It’s especially difficult when there are no bathrooms available, and you’re wearing specific outfits that can be very uncomfortable.”
A Positive Introduction to Periods
Ananya also opened up about her personal experience of getting her first period and how her mother, Bhavana Panday, played a pivotal role in erasing the shame around menstruation.
“I was in school when I got my first period. I didn’t understand what had happened because no one had spoken to me about it. I thought something was wrong with me and that I’d hurt myself,” she shares. “When I went home, I was scared, but my mum and daadi [grandmother] made it a moment of celebration. They gave me gifts and told me it was something to be proud of. That experience really helped me see menstruation in a positive light.”
The Role of Education
Ananya stressed the importance of educational institutions in creating awareness around menstruation. “Over time, my school started conversations about periods. They introduced a subject about health, where they explained to both boys and girls what happens during a menstrual cycle and how bodies change. This should be a part of every school’s curriculum. By the time it was my sister’s turn, things were much better, and she already knew what to expect,” Ananya explains.
She emphasized the importance of fostering openness at both home and school to ensure that the next generation approaches menstruation without fear or embarrassment.
Tips for Navigating Your First Period
- Stay Calm and Confident: It’s normal to feel anxious, but remember, menstruation is a natural and healthy process.
- Talk to Someone You Trust: Share your feelings with your mom, sister, or a trusted friend. They can provide reassurance and guidance.
- Be Prepared: Keep essentials like sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups in your school bag or purse for unexpected moments.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the menstrual cycle and what changes your body goes through to feel more in control.
- Celebrate the Milestone: Like Ananya’s mom and grandmother, treat your first period as a special milestone—it’s a sign of growing up!
- Maintain Hygiene: Change your sanitary product regularly, wash your hands before and after, and stay clean to avoid discomfort or infections.
- Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about something, ask a parent, teacher, or doctor for clarity.
Ananya Panday’s story is a reminder that periods are nothing to be ashamed of and that open conversations and education are key to breaking the stigma around menstruation.