Naseeruddin Shah's remark on housewives indulging in more work than 'mard' divides internet

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who never minces his words, has spoken about stereotypes associated with traditional gender roles. The 73-year-old recently made an appearance at the talk show, Be A Man, Yaar!, hosted by Nikhil Taneja, co-founder and CEO of Yuvaa. Talking about masculinity, the renowned actor spoke about how men enjoy illogical masala movies purely for entertainment. While at the same time, the Dedh Ishqiya star reiterated that housewife life is even more challenging. In the latest, the celebrated actor's comments sparked mixed reactions online.

On the concept of masculinity

On host Nikhil Taneja's talk show, Naseeruddin Shah spoke about the concept of masculinity and the stereotypes associated with traditional gender roles. During one such discussion, the Ishqiya actor addressed whether men, feeling emotionally drained, tend to enjoy illogical masala movies purely for entertainment.

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While agreeing to this notion, Naseeruddin Shah added that a 'housewife's life' is far more challenging. This leads to the success of movies that explore sensitive subjects and resonate with them. However, the part about housewives working harder than men has received mixed reactions online.

Shah added that men often complain about exhaustion, with statements like, “Oh, I’m so tired, bring me some water. I’ve worked all day.” He then pointed out that women work just as diligently.

'Are mard ho, thak kyun gaye?'

As part of the same interview, Naseeruddin Shah humourously inquired, “Are mard ho thak kyun gaye?" This particular statement didn’t sit well with some users online, with one criticising his lack of sensitivity.

One such user drew heavy comparisons on X.

One user commented, "Everyone who complains that "poor non-metro or rural women" don't have the luxury of 1-2 house helps."

Another account added, "Message for all crying about underprivileged women."

"Very well said!" added an account.

"You probably didn’t listen to him in the video. Listen again," pointed another user.

Earlier, the actor's comments on Gadar 2’s success saying that he finds the positive response to such films ‘disturbing’, also gained traction online.

Work Front

Naseeruddin Shah's directorial venture 'Man Woman Man Woman', is a short film revolving around love and companionship across two generations. The 26-minute short film is currently streaming on Royal Stag Barrel Select's YouTube channel. The film stars Ratna Pathak Shah and son Vivaan Shah alongside Tarun Dhanrajgir and Hrithik Roshan’s girlfriend and actor Saba Azad.

The actor is widely known for movies like The Dirty Picture, A Wednesday, Masoom and Mohra among others.