In a candid and eye-opening conversation on the second season of “What The Hell Navya,” the Bachchan women—Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan, and Navya Naveli Nanda—shattered stereotypes and delved into the often-overlooked realm of full-time motherhood. The trio brought to light the pervasive tendency of society to underestimate and undervalue the vital role played by housewives, labeling it a ‘thankless job.’
Navya Naveli Nanda, the 26-year-old entrepreneur, kickstarted the discussion by questioning the societal perception of full-time motherhood as a legitimate and respected occupation. Shweta Bachchan, her mother, expressed lament over society not according the genuine respect that homemakers deserve, often viewing it as an expected duty rather than recognizing it as a noble profession.
Jaya Bachchan chimed in, asserting that people often tend to take the role of a full-time mom for granted. With this, she added depth to the conversation. Shweta shed light on the multifaceted nature of the job, emphasizing that homemakers not only manage household chores but also juggle roles akin to HR, marketing, finance, and daily administration—essentially running a mini-business while nurturing and shaping young minds.
Full podcast here:
Despite the immense responsibilities and the intricate balancing act, being a homemaker does not receive recognition as an occupation on forms, contributing to a lack of acknowledgment. Shweta poignantly remarked that if a homemaker were to cease fulfilling their responsibilities, chaos might ensue within the household. She highlighted the irony that even though housewives play a pivotal role in maintaining the family’s stability, their efforts often go unnoticed and unappreciated.
Drawing attention to the societal narrative, Shweta cited Navya as an example, triggering a heartfelt response from the young entrepreneur. Navya expressed her gratitude, to which Shweta countered that while the sentiment may exist in her daughter’s heart, the acknowledgment and expression of gratitude are seldom extended, usually confined to a single day—Mother’s Day—where a social media post may be the only acknowledgment.
The Bachchan women’s conversation resonates with many, shedding light on the unsung heroes who silently contribute to the fabric of our society. The episode serves as a powerful reminder to recognize and appreciate the tireless efforts of full-time moms, urging a shift in societal attitudes towards their invaluable contributions.