Pratibha Ranta, known for her standout performance as Jaya in Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed film Lapata Ladies, has recently opened up about an important personal experience related to women’s health. In a recent interview, she shared an insightful story about her boyfriend asking to see a sanitary pad for the first time. The conversation emphasized the need for men to understand women’s health issues like menstruation, breaking the stigma surrounding it.
A Heartwarming Personal Experience
During the interview, Pratibha recalled a moment from her younger days when she had an open discussion about periods with her boyfriend. She highlighted that she came from a supportive and forward-thinking family where women were empowered to make their own decisions. Her grandmother, a school teacher in a time when few women worked, was a strong influence in her life. Pratibha, hailing from Himachal Pradesh, managed to carve a name for herself in Mumbai, navigating both the challenges of the entertainment industry and personal growth.
The Start of an Unusual Conversation
Pratibha shared how one day, while on her periods, she was on her way home after a dance class when she ran into her boyfriend. She mentioned to him that she was menstruating and feeling a bit uncomfortable. Her boyfriend, who had never openly discussed periods before, was caught off guard. It was the first time he had encountered such a topic in real life.
To Pratibha’s surprise, he started explaining menstruation in a very formal, bookish way, trying to use biological terms to understand it. Laughing, Pratibha said that she already knew about periods and didn’t need a lesson. What stood out from the conversation was the level of awkwardness, curiosity, and ultimately understanding that developed between them.
A Request for Sanitary Pads
As they continued the conversation, her boyfriend admitted that he had never seen a sanitary pad before and asked if she could show him one. Coming from a background where such things were often hidden by women in his family, he had no exposure to the basics of women’s hygiene products. Pratibha, wanting to normalize the subject, obliged and handed him a sanitary pad from her bag.
This moment served as a simple but powerful gesture. It not only helped her boyfriend become more comfortable discussing periods but also underscored the importance of educating men on such topics.
Breaking the Taboo Around Periods
Pratibha’s story points to a larger issue in society — the discomfort men often feel when talking about periods. She stressed how essential it is for boys and men to have open discussions about menstruation. “Some things are better understood through experience,” she remarked, explaining how such experiences contribute to more empathy and awareness.
Through this anecdote, Pratibha made an important point: menstruation should not be a subject shrouded in mystery or discomfort, especially for men. As someone who received thorough education on periods in her all-girls’ school, she saw the need for similar awareness among boys, which could lead to a more supportive environment for women everywhere.
