Shefali Shah on gender roles: Being equal to men is not an agenda
Calling for equal parenting responsibility, Shefali Shah emphasized that fathers play an important role in shaping children’s values and respect for women.
Actress Shefali Shah urged the society to rethink the traditional ideas about parenting and emphasized that raising children is not only a mother’s responsibility. Speaking at a public event recently, he highlighted the equal role of a father in shaping values, behavior and respect within the home.
But TOI Uttarakhand Parivartan Samvad 2026Shah stressed that it is everyone’s responsibility to raise children “right”. Putting the entire burden on mothers reinforces outdated gender norms and limits fathers’ emotional involvement, she said.
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Shah said in response to that statement, “Any child watches his father and learns from the way he handles women in the house. Therefore, the responsibility does not necessarily lie on women and the onus of correct behavior lies on men.”
Directly linking parenting to women’s safety, the actor said the foundation of a respectable society starts at home. According to her, raising boys with sensitivity and respect can help in rooting out gender-based issues.
“My kids are grown and I’ll always be there for them, but I can’t take responsibility for everything they do after they reach a certain age. I really can’t do that. It’s not my fault,” Delhi Crime Actor added.
Shah also talked about the importance of education and financial independence and underlined that equality is not about competition. She said, “Being equal to a man is not an agenda, it is just being comfortable in your place.”
She further highlighted how education and especially financial independence empowers women to define their own paths. “Women are increasingly becoming philanthropists as well as beneficiaries. Many women have really turned their everyday skills – which perhaps don’t get much recognition – into businesses. Simple things like home stays, local art and culture and food,” Shah said.
On the work front, Shefali Shah is enjoying a strong phase in her career with acclaimed performances in projects Delhi Crime, Human, Jalsa And darlings. He earned an International Emmy nomination for His performance in Delhi Crime. Next, she will be seen in the movie love and war and television series Maths.