Tahira Kashyap calls for accountability for men prioritizing work over family
Tahira Kashyap calls for accountability for men prioritizing work over family
Tahira Kashyap critiques society’s double standards and discusses her journey of individuality and career
24 June, 2024
Tahira Kashyap, a writer and director, has voiced her opinion on societal expectations, arguing that men should face the same scrutiny as women when they prioritize work over family. Her comments highlight a longstanding issue of gender bias in societal roles.
Tahira, known for her literary and cinematic contributions, is set to make her feature directorial debut with “Sharmajee Ki Beti.” This women-led film features Sakshi Tanwar, Divya Dutta, and Saiyami Kher, portraying the lives of three women balancing personal and professional conflicts in a big city. Reflecting on her film’s theme, Tahira expressed frustration with societal norms that impose ‘mom guilt’ on women for choosing their careers over family.
Tahira questions why men, including her husband, actor Ayushmann Khurrana, are not held to the same standards. She said, “Society often brings the mom guilt in women for choosing their career over their family and children. Why are men not questioned about managing work and family all at once?”
Tahira’s journey is marked by her efforts to establish her identity beyond being Ayushmann Khurrana’s wife. She said, “Writing is my work. It is passion-driven but it is also paying me. For me, it is very important to be financially independent and have my own source of income.”
She candidly shared her initial struggles with her identity, feeling overshadowed by her husband’s fame. “A major part of me fought with my surname. I was like, ‘Who am I? Am I Tahira Kashyap, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana or Tahira Khurrana?’ I was so complexed about that. The day I let it be and was okay with myself and my growth, it didn’t matter to me.”
Despite societal perceptions, Tahira takes pride in her relationships and mutual support with Ayushmann. “We have been together since high school. We are the biggest cheerleaders of each other. If my partner is doing well, it is my personal victory. If people want to feel that I am an extension of him, it’s their own perception.”
She added, “I have my own journey and he is equally proud of my journey. If today somebody calls me Ayushmann’s wife or Viraj aur Virushka’s mother, I take pride in it. We have seen the tough days together. It has not always been pleasant, so we are very sure of each other’s journey.”
Tahira highlighted the importance of being secure in one’s individuality while supporting each other in shared roles. “When you are sure of yourself and your energy is not being spent on demarcating that ‘this is me’ and ‘this is him,’ you save a lot of effort. In our professional lives, our career choices already demarcate us. In personal life, he has his father role and I have my mother role.”
Ayushmann Khurrana and Tahira Kashyap married on November 1, 2008. They are parents to two children – son Virajveer and daughter Varushka. Through her journey, Tahira continues to challenge societal norms and advocate for equality in the work-family balance.
