Fatima Sana Shaikh gets real about relationships: 'Even men suffer under patriarchy, they are ridiculed'

Time of India

2 days ago

Fatima
Sana
Shaikh had a packed July 2025 with two back-to-back releases—'Metro... In Dino', directed by
Anurag Basu
, hit theatres, while 'Aap Jaisa Koi' premiered on Netflix. Though different in tone and treatment, both films explored love through unique lenses.
Interestingly, Fatima's characters in both stories stood up for equal footing in relationships.
Following the releases, the actress opened up about her views on relationship dynamics, stressing the importance of mutual respect—and pointing out that men, too, suffer under the weight of patriarchy.
"Two people get attracted to each other because of who they are" - Fatima Sana Sheikh
In an interview with Hindustan Times, the actress shared her opinions on relationships, "Two people get attracted to each other because of who they are.
That's why it's important to first respect each other, and once that happens, everything is fine. Equality is essential in any relationship. I wouldn't want my partner to change who I am, and I wouldn't want to change him either. Two people are drawn to each other for who they are—that mutual respect is the foundation.
'
Fatima Sana Sheikh on patriarchy
The actress further discussed how men, like women, suffer because of patriarchy. "So many men are in toxic relationships.
But when they come out with their stories, they are ridiculed. That is also due to patriarchy, as [the belief is that] boys are not supposed to cry and they can't complain. So, even men face the wrath of patriarchy," added Fatima.
When asked if women asserting themselves makes powerful men uncomfortable, she agreed. 'Yes, it does ruffle feathers. But things are shifting. With more women in the workforce, the understanding of what women think, and the kind of roles they choose, is evolving.'
In a time when conversations around matriarchy and women's empowerment are taking center stage, Fatima Sana Shaikh stands out for bravely acknowledging that men, too, face challenges under patriarchy. For her, the conversation was never about one gender being superior—it has always been about equality.