Ananya Panday talks about stigma surrounding menstruation; recalls getting her first period in school: 'I was so scared'

Periods are a natural function and a routine part of life for just about half the population, but they are often left in the shadows, creating gaps in knowledge and understanding. In an interview with CNN-News18 Showsha, actor Ananya Panday discussed why it is essential to talk about periods. ‘Not something that we should be ashamed of’ Ananya said, “It is not something that we should be ashamed of. There are so many problems that we as girls face when it comes to rashes, irritation, lack of movement, and staining.” On her first period Asked how she was introduced to periods, whether there were conversations at home or in school, Ananya recalled her first period; she said she was clueless then and ‘scared’, but now she openly speaks about it with her parents and family. It can be ‘very uncomfortable’, she said, adding she asks for help 'even if it makes men around her uncomfortable'.