In a candid conversation, actress Pranitaa Pandit shares her views on the significance of International Men’s Day and the need to celebrate and value men just as we do for women on International Women’s Day.
Pranitaa confesses that she was initially unaware of the existence of International Men’s Day. However, upon learning about it, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating men. She notes that the awareness around Men’s Day is comparatively less, attributing the heightened attention on Women’s Day to historical struggles for women’s rights and equality.
“The whole hype around Women’s Day is because women are always not given equal opportunity…men have an upper hand in other areas, which is why this particular day has not been celebrated that much. They have always got their due,” Pranitaa explains, shedding light on the historical context that has influenced the prominence of Women’s Day.
Pranitaa underscores the need for men to be more expressive, challenging societal norms that often stigmatize men for showing vulnerability. “It is a very valid point; men don’t express themselves much. Men must express themselves too,” she asserts. While acknowledging the difference in societal expectations between men and women, she encourages a shift towards greater emotional expression among men.
Expressing concern over the outdated notion of ‘boys don’t cry,’ Pranitaa advocates for a more inclusive and understanding approach. “I feel human beings have a right to cry, and men crying should be as normal as women crying,” she states. Rejecting the notion that men should suppress their emotions, she emphasizes the changing dynamics where both boys and girls are becoming more emotionally expressive and open about their feelings.
As the conversation unfolds, Pranitaa Pandit’s perspective offers a refreshing take on the evolving roles and expectations surrounding both men and women in today’s society. International Men’s Day, according to her, serves as a reminder to celebrate men’s contributions and foster an environment where expressing emotions is not confined by gender stereotypes.