Akshay Kumar’s latest venture into the more ‘artsy’ film has backfired in Pakistan. ‘Padman’ was banned by the Pakistani censor board who were hesitant to watch something about women’s health, only proliferating the bottomless void where all other hushed taboos drown. The film’s kernel is about a man who created sanitary pads to improve menstrual health in India, and while applauded for its rather hilarious take on the whole situation, the Punjab Film Censor Board shoddily denied the film a clearance certificate. The ban hasn’t sat well with Pakistani artists, who already feel a bit suffocated in a nation where art is often swept aside.
Armeena Khan took to Twitter to denounce a frivolous ban on a film that’s only trying to normalize periods
Menstrual health is one of those topics you just don’t talk about in Pakistan – it’s considered unchartered territory, despite being such a problematic taboo that’s ended up alienating women. Armeena pointed out the obvious – periods are ‘natural,’ and ‘the entire female population gets them including mother[s], sisters and daughters.’ She ended her tweet with a pun before awaiting the inevitable bout of criticism.
Periods. What’s the big deal people? ?The entire female population gets them including mother, sisters and daughters. They are as natural as the changing of the seasons. Let’s not make a big deal out of it. No need to ban films. They happen. Period.
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) February 11, 2018
She responded to a user who said a film around menstruation was not ‘necessary’ and said it needn’t be shed light upon
The actress correctly stated how it’s the woman’s choice to discuss whatever they please, not abiding by what a man might deem as acceptable or comfortable.
Are you a woman? How does this concern you? Do you get them? No?! Then not to be rude but this absolutely none of your genders business as to what we women choose to talk about openly or in secret. Yes?! Deal? https://t.co/hBiX8KBERH
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) February 11, 2018
The user gave a rather silly rebuttal to which Armeena said periods need to be accepted
Ofcourse it bothers me. It shouldn’t be taboo and if anybody chooses to make a film about it then who the hell cares? Why ban it. Let people watch what they wanna watch. Talk about what they want to talk about. Basic human rights man! https://t.co/AFJiKzlIVA
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) February 11, 2018
Reactions were mixed in response to Armeena’s tweet, with a few questioning how to normalize this taboo
I do agree but if a 6 yr old boy ask me about it what should i say ?
Or better sex is also normal all adults do so should we make it public. I guess these are to be addressed in proper time manner and place .— Addy (@AddyTov) February 11, 2018
The odd few had their own questionable theories about why it shouldn’t be discussed
Shame on you @ArmeenaRK there is somethings which is hide from ALLAH and he said that cover and hide your personal then why you bloody people getting over bold and modern apna randipan apny gak rakho hn tmari beti hogi usko kehna k periods me papa ko ja k ka hy k pad lgao ??
— Sadaf-Ali (@SadafAmjadAli) February 11, 2018
But some retaliated and rebuked this rather silly theory
Exactly! ????& its insane & immature to say that it got to do with the religion! ?ISLAM is as modern & always ahead of all, just some people use it whenever they like for their own benefits ?& keep changing it for their own benefits by themselves ? #dontbanpadman #padman
— Imran syed (@imran_texas) February 11, 2018
Others lauded Armeena for her just opinion
I’m so proud of you!Withstanding all the moral brigade and trolls and saying what every sane person is saying and thinking! Stay strong!??
— Mariam Javaid Ahmed (@mariamjahmed) February 11, 2018
There was not need to ban this movie. Its bulshit. Pakistanis have a big problem tk compare everything with Islam. Common Man grow up pakistanis.
— Hamza Aslam ✨ (@Amzaasla) February 11, 2018
…Because it’s literally the most natural thing that all women experience
It's fact in our country that people don't like to face real subjects and feel grossed out by simple biology.
— Miya (@summayyamalik) February 11, 2018
Here’s the trailer for ‘Padman’
What are your thoughts on the ban? Do you agree with Armeena’s comments?