Fatima Sana Shaikh on equality and gender roles: ‘Even men are facing the wrath of patriarchy’

For Fatima Sana Shaikh, acting in romantic films is not just work; it is an extension of her personal reflection. “I'm living my love life through the films that I'm doing,” she says in an interview with Hindustan Times, following her July releases—Metro... In Dino and Aap Jaisa Koi, both of the romance genre.

But beyond the silver screen, the 33-year-old has her own agenda for equality and respect in relationships. “Equality in a relationship is very important. I don't have to be a man; I would love to be feminine, and the man doesn't have to be me. But there is a synergy that is important to maintain.”

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The Dangal actress stresses that there should be mutual acceptance between both sides. “I don't want my partner to change me, and I wouldn't want him to change because we got attracted to each other because we were ourselves. That's why it's important to first respect each other, and once that happens, then everything is fine.”

Fatima also offered a candid critique of patriarchy. While the term has often been associated with the suppression of women, the actress believes that men face the brunt of it, too. She says men, too, are the victims of toxic relationships, but are often “ridiculed” when they speak out because of predetermined patriarchal values that deem men to hide vulnerability. “They can't complain as they are supposed to have this front that ‘I take care of the family. I'll take care of everybody. I can't hurt. I'm not weak because it's not accepted'. So, it's not that only women are facing the wrath of patriarchy, even men are.”

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On the work front, Fatima will be seen next in Vibhu Puri’s Gustaakh Ishq alongside Vijay Varma. The film, bankrolled by Manish Malhotra's Stage 5 Production banner, is currently in production.

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