In response to Nora Fatehi’s statement that “feminism f**ked up our society,” Richa Chadha highlighted how those who reap the benefits of feminism often refrain from identifying as feminists. Additionally, she described her husband, Ali Fazal, as a nurturer.
In a world where feminism often faces misconceptions, actor Richa Chadha, renowned for her unconventional and empowering roles, is addressing these misunderstandings head-on. Her response follows recent comments made by Nora Fatehi regarding feminism, sparking a broader conversation about women’s rights. Nora’s criticism of feminism during an appearance on The Ranveer Show last month stirred controversy, as she expressed beliefs that feminism has negatively impacted society.
Richa, in a recent interview with Puja Talwar, stressed the significance of recognizing the benefits of feminism. She highlighted how women today enjoy the freedom to pursue their careers, choose their attire, and maintain independence, thanks to the efforts of feminist pioneers. “The intriguing aspect of feminism is its inclusivity, welcoming those who reap its benefits while denying the label of feminism,” Richa emphasized.
Currently expecting her first child with husband and actor Ali Fazal, Richa suggested that the reluctance to embrace feminism might stem from a desire for acceptance by male counterparts, perpetuating patriarchal norms. She noted that rejecting the term “feminist” may result from a misinformed perception influenced by outdated stereotypes, rather than a genuine understanding of feminism. She remarked, “It’s somewhat fashionable to disassociate oneself from feminism, attributing it to a misunderstood image of radicalism from the late ’60s. Many go through a phase of distancing themselves from the label, saying, ‘I’m not one of those militant feminists’.”
Rejecting the notion that nurturing is exclusively a feminine trait, she shared her personal journey with her partner, Ali, who shares her enthusiasm for parenthood and is equally nurturing. “I am fortunate to have a partner who is just as nurturing and excited about bringing a life into this world as I am. He never says, ‘She is pregnant.’ Instead, he says, ‘We are going to do this,'” she remarked.
She advocates for both men and women to embrace their nurturing sides and actively participate in raising children. Reflecting on generational differences in parenting, she noted that previous generations, including our mothers, managed both jobs and children without fuss. She perceives no conflict in women balancing careers and family life and urges today’s parents to draw inspiration from nature, acknowledging the vital roles both genders play. “Nurturing isn’t exclusively a feminine quality. Our mothers balanced jobs and childcare without making a fuss about motherhood or creating parenting communities,” she emphasized.
Expressing surprise at recent remarks suggesting women adhere to specific roles, she criticized such narrow thinking for failing to acknowledge the complexity of womanhood. “I don’t agree with the idea that women must conform to certain norms. Frankly, I’m surprised it was even suggested. When I see the new generation of content creators on YouTube, I can’t help but wonder if they all attended the ‘best’ universities in India,” she quipped, advocating for parents to prioritize books over YouTube and encourage their children to seek knowledge through reading.