Shefali Shah on gender roles: Being equal to men is not an agenda

Shefali Shah called for equal parenting responsibility, stressing that fathers play a crucial role in shaping children's values and respect towards women.

Actor Shefali Shah urged society to rethink traditional ideas around parenting, stressing that raising children is not solely a mother’s responsibility. Speaking at a recent public event, she highlighted the equal role fathers must play in shaping values, behaviour and respect within the home.

At the TOI Uttarakhand Transformation Dialogues 2026, Shah emphasised that it is everyone’s responsibility to raise children “right." She added that placing the entire burden on mothers reinforces outdated gender norms and limits fathers’ emotional involvement.

“Any kid looks up to the father and learns from the way he handles the women in the home. So, the responsibility is not necessarily on women and it is on men to have the correct behaviour," Shah said in response to the statement that the “onus" of raising a child properly falls on both men and women.

Linking parenting directly to women’s safety, the actor noted that the foundation of a respectful society begins at home. According to her, raising boys with sensitivity and respect can help address gender-based issues at their root.

“My children are grown and I will always be there for them, but I can’t assume responsibility for everything they do since I’ve reached a certain age. I genuinely cannot. It’s not my fault," the Delhi Crime actor added.

Shah also spoke about the importance of education and financial independence, underlining that equality is not about competition. “Being equal to a man is not an agenda, it’s just being comfortable in your own space," she said.