1. What made you take up the role of Gayatri?

When Balki sir came to me with the script of Pad Man, I was convinced that I had to be a part of this project. Gayatri’s character is very well etched out and relatable. I always wanted to work with Balki and also to be a part of this film whch was so different and challenging on many levels.

2. How was your experience of working with Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor?

It has been a wonderful experience working with Akshay. He is extremely hard working and so talented. I have learnt a lot from him while filming for the movie. Sonam and I don’t have any scenes together, but she is a great person and has done absolute justice to the role of Pari in Pad Man.

3. Share your experience of working with Balki.

I feel proud to be part of a project, which has been very informative for me as well. Balki has treated this topic with sensitivity and working with him has been a pleasure. He is a director with vision and knows what he exactly wants from his actors, which makes our job easier. I have learnt a lot from him by just observing him on the set. His energy and passion towards his work is contagious.

4. Inspired by the movie, your maid distributed sanitary napkins to ladies from small villages. What do you have to say about the impact the movie had on the audience?

Pad Man has had a positive impact on the mind set of people and more and more people are coming out in the open and discussing about menstrual hygiene.

5. Do you think India is being more open about the discussion on menstruation?

I’m sure things are changing no big hangs happens overnight it’s a slow process. Mentioning the word menstruation has always been a taboo in India. People always shy away from talking about menstruation hygiene and the awareness about the topic is very dismal. However, having said that, with the release of Pad Man and so many more initiatives across be country that have been taking place for a long time, people are more open to discussing about feminine hygiene and that is the first step towards achieving our goal. There are three things for which we made this film. First, it is an incredibly inspiring story that needs to be told. Second, if we can make people talk about periods, that would make a lot of difference and third, it’s high time that people understand that menstrual hygiene is of utmost importance.

7. What is your opinion about awareness of feminine hygiene in our country?

The menstruation taboo is ancient and there are so many theories about it. For some, it is fear of blood and for some period blood is toxic. If you read the theories about menstruation you might even laugh. In short there is very little awareness about feminine hygiene in our country and it is high time that we educate people about the importance of menstruation hygiene and the hazards associated with it if neglected.

8. Are there any other social cause you would like to bring to the fore, which one would it be and why?

I’m an actor and my main purpose is to bring out interesting stories to life. If it involves a cause that I can be a part of I most definitely will.

9. Since Pad Man will be premiering on &pictures, what is that one message you want the audience to take home from the movie?

Ans. Pad Man is a movie that is very close to my heart and it is a relatable film. I hope people will connect with it emotionally. We have made it with a lot of thought and emotion. The aim is not to bring about a revolution but to make people openly talk about it. I hope viewers will be able to catch the Premiere of Pad Man on &pictures 19th August at 8pm