Divya
Bollywood star Tisca Chopra had written her first ever book titled ‘Acting Smart: Your Ticket To Showbiz’ in 2014.
However now, Tisca has ventured into a much deeper topic which seems to be the perfect approach at this needed hour.
In an exclusive interview with Instant Bollywood, Tisca reveals her reason for coming up with a book on menstruation and puberty. She says, “My editor, Vidhi Bhargava, she was the one who said I should write something on this because my daughter is of that age and I could probably relate to it so there should be a book that should talk about menstruation which should be fun to read. Initially, I wasn’t sure because of the pandemic but then she said it was perfect because of the same reason. So I took out the time, started writing it and it had become bigger and bigger and it was something I wanted to explore.”
Tisca goes on to talk about her idea behind the book. “So actually there are two ideas behind this book. One, we wanted to normalise this. We are already in the 21st century but people are still talking about periods as if it is some big secret. It is not a shameful thing. If you do not get your periods, that just means you require medical help. Second, it is required because this is just a biological fact and we have to normalise talking about it. So I feel this is the main idea behind this, we wanted to send a message to normalise this and also normalise fathers getting involved in the discussion. It should not just be mothers who are doing this work. So I wanted to make sure that fathers get into this and discuss this with their daughters and make it normal, make it like ‘yes, now it is time for you to get your period’.”
Chopra also mentions her mother being her guide throughout her growing years but the actress also mentions the need for fathers to get involved in the process.
“So the book is primarily for parents and young girls. Today’s generation is extremely smart. They want to know the why, the how, and the understand everything. So if you tell them anything unscientific or something that is not met by logic then they’ll directly ask you, “Why? Tell me!”. So my point is, I hope young girls especially from the ages of 9 to 14 read this book but more than that, I hope families read it together. I hope fathers read it to their daughters,” Tisca says.
Do you think more films need to be made on such topics?
I think even if a film is not made entirely about menstruation but if it is something that is discussed in the film, then why not? Because films have a big impact on the culture of the country. I think it’s time we start normalising the conversation, “Oh I think she’s gotten her periods”.
Do women in different tiers of society face differences when it comes to the period stereotype?
Definitely! The poorer sections of society tend to have a very matter of fact approach to it just because the working women there cannot take a day off. Because they have to come to work. Like the women who help with domestic work have to come and work. They don’t take a day off. I think the whole discussion and taboo around it, the unscientific approach around it needs to end. Because I think that is a crappy thing. It puts women on the back foot which it shouldn’t because if a woman doesn’t get her periods, there wouldn’t be human race.
Balancing Acting & Writing
I think it comes from wanting to tell stories. I think when you’re committed to telling a story in the way it deserves to be told. I have worked with so many fantastic directors like Aamir Khan, Kabir Mishra and so on and so forth but I really feel that I learn so much. So for me talking that leap means to tell a story in an authentic manner. That may be wonderful.
I think honestly, I lead a very different life. I am not a party person, I am not seen at a lot of film parties and I am not socialising all the time. I have a few very deep connections with people and I have a small core team that I work with. I have my small team that works with me closely and my associates. Other than that, I spend a lot of time with my family and I have only a few close friends but very deep friendships. So I keep off quite away from the whole filmstar life.
Message To Fans
I have been very blessed, in that I have gotten a huge amount of love over the years. I will continue to work harder and harder and make better and better stories and bring them to you with my whole heart and soul. So please continue to give me you love and I’ll keep working better.
