Urvashi Dholakia opens up about getting her first period in the 1980s: ‘My father was liberal enough at that point of time’ | Life-style News

Actor Urvashi Dholakia recently recalled how, despite the conservative times of the 1980s, her father was “liberal.” “My dad was very liberal. I don’t know how much I can say or not but when I got my first periods…in the 1980s, it wasn’t like the knowledge we get now…at that time, it wasn’t the case. We were not as outspoken at that time. It was a conservative topic,” Dholakia, known for her role of Komolika in Kasautii Zindagii Kay, told Hauterrfly.
“The first day of my period, I remember, he ran to the market and bought a packet of sanitary napkins. He got those. That is what I am telling you. For me, that was liberal enough at that point in time. My mom had started giving me a few hints a week before, but she was only dropping hints. Not saying anything clearly. Not straight to the point,” Dholakia, 45, added.
How about her children? “My kids…you will be surprised. They were four years old when they knew what a sanitary napkin was. At age four, we didn’t even know what a toy was,” quipped Dholakia.
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Dr Sushruta Mokadam, consultant obstetrician at Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, concurred that prioritising period-positive parenting involves an open dialogue around menstruation in a safe space devoid of judgment or shame.
Menstruation is a natural process (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
An environment at home that actively encourages open conversations without hesitation on societal taboos results in support and understanding from individuals of the opposite gender. “Fathers can also engage in meaningful conversations with their daughters, attentively len to their experiences, help while purchasing supplies together, and engage in activities that break the notion of menstruation being exclusively discussed between mother and daughter,” said Dr Mokadam.

Instead of using terms like women’s issues or feminine hygiene, use gender-neutral language such as menstrual health or period care. “This helps establish that periods are a natural bodily function that both boys and girls should be aware of. Moreover, it shows that discussing periods is not limited to one gender but rather important for everyone,” said Dr Mokadam.

Empowering male children with knowledge about menstruation is an essential aspect of period positivity. “ dispelling misconceptions surrounding periods, it is possible to promote understanding and acceptance among children,” said Dr Mokadam.