Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan has delivered a powerful message urging women to take pride in their role as homemakers. In a heartfelt post on his blog, the actor highlighted the myriad challenges of managing a household and called upon women to speak proudly of their contributions, without hesitation or a “subdued voice.” His remarks come as India celebrates its women’s cricket team’s victory over Pakistan in the World Cup, underscoring women’s resilience both on and off the field.
A Call for Pride and Recognition
During a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, Bachchan noted that many female audience members respond to the question “Aap kya kar rahi hain?” with a timid “I’m a homemaker.” He questioned why such an important role should be admitted in whispers rather than celebrated openly. “Kyun, kyun aesa kehti hai dabe swar mein? Nahi!! Aap dabe swar mein kabhi bhi na kahe! Garv se kahiye ki aap ek homemaker hai,” he urged, infusing humor and applause to drive home his point.
Spotlight on Hidden Work
Bachchan went on to detail the extensive responsibilities shouldered by homemakers: caring for the home, cooking meals for the family, tending to children, and managing countless unseen tasks. “Ghar ko sambhaalna koi aasan kaam nahi hota!!” he emphasized, listing out duties from overseeing household chores to ensuring the family’s well-being. His description resonated with many who often find their domestic labour undervalued and unacknowledged in mainstream discourse.
Pandemic Revelations
Reflecting on the COVID-19 lockdowns, Bachchan noted that the shift in household roles offered a stark revelation for many men. With spouses taking over tasks traditionally managed by women, men gained firsthand insight into the complexity of running a home. “Covid ke samay sab purushon ko pata chal gaya, ki patni kitna kuch sambhalti hai ghar mein,” he observed, pointing out that when men had to juggle cooking, cleaning, and childcare, they experienced the full weight of domestic responsibilities.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements
Amid his advocacy for homemakers, Bachchan also congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team for their recent victory against Pakistan. The dual focus of his message celebrated both professional and personal spheres of women’s lives, illustrating that pride in one’s work whether on a sports field or in one’s own home, is equally worthy of applause.
Television and Tamil Debut
Amitabh Bachchan’s remarks appeared in conjunction with the premiere of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 on August 11, airing Monday to Friday at 9 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming on SonyLIV. Known for its blend of high-stakes quizzing and heartwarming human stories, the show provided the perfect platform for his appeal. Meanwhile, Bachchan’s recent foray into Tamil cinema with the action drama “Vettaiyan” alongside Rajinikanth, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, and Manju Warrier has further showcased his versatility and enduring appeal across linguistic and regional boundaries.
Public Response and Impact
Social media platforms buzzed with reactions to Bachchan’s post, with many users praising his recognition of domestic work as legitimate labour deserving of respect. Several homemakers shared personal anecdotes of how the pandemic reshaped household dynamics and led to greater appreciation from family members. Commentators highlighted that empowering homemakers can have far-reaching effects on gender equality and self-esteem in Indian society.
Honouring the Unseen Workforce
By urging women to speak of their homemaking role with pride, Amitabh Bachchan has sparked an important conversation about the value of domestic labour. His message reinforces that homemakers are not merely background figures but essential contributors to the stability and happiness of their families. As society continues to evolve, celebrating the “unseen workforce” in our homes becomes crucial to achieving broader gender parity and mutual respect within households.
By – Sonali