'Women...going against nature': Seema, Manoj Pahwa on 'modern society'
What's the story
Real-life couple Manoj Pahwa and Seema Pahwa, who recently appeared together in the series Perfect Family, have shared their views on gender roles in society. The duo discussed the historical context and personal experiences related to traditional expectations of men as breadwinners and women as homemakers. "When the work was divided between men and women, the reason behind this must have been a woman's nature," said Seema, elaborating on her views about women's responsibilities.
Domestic duties
Seema's personal experience with household responsibilities
Seema reflected on her life after marriage, saying she took over household chores like cooking and preparing the children for school. "I didn't revolt against the same," she told Digital Commentary, adding that she found satisfaction in these duties. "It's not an obligation. I get satisfaction from it." "I cook for Manoj when he goes for a shoot, and I tell him that I'm not doing this for you, I'm doing this for myself because I feel good about it."
Generational shift
'What is the problem in doing housework...'
Seema also spoke about younger generations questioning traditional roles. She said, "I talk like an old woman to the youngsters when they revolt about gender roles...what is the problem in doing housework." "If we despise housework, then we as women, we are going against our nature." She added that she is a career-oriented woman balancing both work and home.
Genetic behavior
Pahwa's take on gender roles and societal change
Pahwa echoed Seema's views, attributing household roles to long-standing human behavior. He said, "This is genetic behavior. When a man used to go hunting, women used to take care of the kids at home." "In modern society, girls got trapped because this nature is genetically ingrained in them, but they also want to become independent." He added that societal shifts take time, and it takes thousands of years to change genetic behavior.