We may have entered 2022 with more hope for women getting the right opportunities and respect, but there are so many instances that prove we still have a long way to go. Very recently, Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter, Navya Naveli Nanda, spoke about how common sexism is in Indian households. Now, Shefali Shah has also opened up about her experience with sexism at home.

Shah, who says that she understands why this happens, told Pinkvilla all about it. When asked if her being an opinionated woman has ever become a problem for her, Shah recalled how she has often been picked upon for it. She recalled incidents where her husband, director Vipul Amrutlal Shah, never faced any questions when he worked late, while she often faced taunts by her in-laws. 

“I’m picked on a lot by my family. The thing is, I’m very passionate, and that’ll come across in the way I have a conversation. On a certain level, maybe from your in-laws, but they belong to a different generation. Like, I remember, when Vipul goes to shoot, obviously nobody questions, but when I’m shooting continuously, it’s like, ‘Again you have to shoot?’ And I’m like, ‘Are you serious? Did I just get asked that question?’ Or, it’s like, ‘You’re shooting for so many hours?’ That’s how it works, how come that question is never asked to your son?”

However, she feels that she manages both work and household chores very efficiently. “Cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, jhaadu, pochha, bartan, kapda, dusting, I’m fantastic. I remember, once, Vipul was doing the dishes. My mother-in-law was standing behind him, and none of us wanted her to do it. 

And I remember her saying, ‘Itna bada director bartan ghas raha hai (Such a big filmmaker is washing dishes).’ I thought it was so hilarious. And I’m thinking in my mind, ‘Actress bartan ghas rahi hai, yeh khayal kabhi nahi aayega (But you’ll never hear them say this about an actress)’. He’s a big director, yes, but what does that have to do with the house? He’s a homemaker as much as I am,” she recalls. 

Lucky for us, such things never bothered Shefali Shah as she continues to do what she loves. She has had a busy year so far and is now looking forward to the release of Darlings starring Alia Bhatt and Vijay Varma. She also has the long-delayed second season of Delhi Crime along with Doctor G and Jalsa.

(Featured Image Credits: Instagram @shefalishah)