Siddharth Shaw Discusses Consent and Emotional Expression in New Web Series
Siddharth Shaw's Impactful Role in Chiraiya
Siddharth Shaw, known for his role as a villain in Divya Dutta’s web series Chiraiya, has garnered significant attention for his portrayal of Arun. His character, an abusive husband, has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, particularly due to a scene depicting marital rape on their wedding night. In a recent interview, Siddharth addressed the critical issue of consent, emphasizing its importance for men as well.
Understanding Men's Consent
In society, discussions around consent predominantly focus on women, often neglecting men's perspectives. Siddharth pointed out that when men express their refusal, they are frequently judged. He stated, “Yes, absolutely. Consent matters to men as well. Sadly, it is being ignored by people. Men's choices, wishes and other things are taken for granted. Why can't people understand a man's 'no' is also 'no'?” He also shared a personal anecdote about a time he said 'no' to a partner, highlighting the lack of respect for his feelings.
Reflecting on his emotional experiences while filming intimate scenes, Siddharth expressed frustration over being questioned for his vulnerability. He remarked, “There have been certain times in my personal life where I have said NO. And my 'NO' has not been respected by a woman. Isn't that wrong? When news about me crying while shooting a marital rape scene came out, some people around questioned my emotional outburst. Is it wrong for a boy to cry? Is it wrong for me to express my emotions? Am I not a man enough if I cry? Why can't I cry out loud? It is an open question.”
Normalizing Men's Emotions
Siddharth further elaborated on societal expectations regarding men's emotional expression, recalling how he was taught that boys shouldn't cry. He shared, “When I was growing up, people around me would say, 'Boys don't cry.' When I was sent to a boarding school, I cried during my 8th standard. But for the next four years, I forgot how to cry. I had literally forgotten how to cry. My body had completely blocked me from crying. Now, I cry very easily. There is nothing wrong with crying. Men can also cry. It should be normalized in society. A man's no is also a no. Not to disregard the opposite gender. It is an equilibrium.”
Addressing the alarming rise in rape cases across major Indian cities, he emphasized the need for open discussions about consent and societal responsibilities. Returning to the web series Chiraiya, it has received acclaim for its impactful narrative and strong performances, featuring actors like Sanjay Mishra, Prasanna Bisht, Sarita Joshi, Faisal Rashid, and Tinnu Anand in significant roles.