In an engaging and socially relevant discussion on the latest episode of Navya Naveli Nanda’s vodcast “What the Hell Navya,” the audience was led through a deep dive into the nuanced dynamics of how society responds to failures of women versus men. Prominent figures Shweta Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and the host herself, Navya Naveli Nanda, took on the task of dissecting these cultural disparities.
The conversation began on a reflective note with Navya posing a compelling question: Does society judge the failures of men and women equally? As they explored the subject, they illuminated the stark reality of gendered expectations. Jaya Bachchan remarked that when men fail, society tends to be unforgiving. Agreeing with her mother, Shweta Bachchan spoke about the pressures within a patriarchal setup that invent benchmarks for men, labeling them failures should they fall short of these often unreachable standards.
Delving deeper, Shweta Bachchan shared her observations that men possibly internalize failure more severely than women. This, as per Shweta, stems from the societal pressure on men to constantly project strength, making it difficult for them to share their struggles openly. The implications of such societal norms are grave, potentially escalating to mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.
Sharing her personal struggles, Shweta opened up about her own experiences with negative criticism and the struggle to overcome them. “I wrote a book. It’s not like it became a bestseller or anything, but I’m not that person who can just bounce back up and say, ‘Okay, I am going to…’. I take it personally if there are bad reviews. I can’t see it objectively that okay someone may not have liked it. It took me a very long time…like I just stopped writing and it made me doubt myself,” Shweta confessed. Her vulnerability illuminated the importance of accepting and learning from criticism without it stunting personal growth or creative pursuits.
The episode vitally underpins the broader discourse around promoting open communication and supporting emotional health across all genders, advocating for a shift in traditional perceptions.
On a lighter note, the conversation shifted gears with Navya discussing the potential involvement of her grandfather, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, and her uncle, Abhishek Bachchan, in the show. During an interview with News18 Showsha, she humorously stated that their appearance in her vodcast might not be imminent as she wasn’t sure if “they are deserving of his presence.” However, she didn’t dismiss the idea entirely, keeping the door open for a future special appearance that could set the stage for some fascinating intergenerational dialogue.
The vodcast “What the Hell Navya,” which has returned for its second season, stars Navya along with her grandmother and mother, offering insights into diverse topics through their distinctive generational lenses. Navya, the entrepreneurial daughter of Shweta Bachchan and businessman Nikhil Nanda, continues to foster conversations that challenge societal norms and encourage personal authenticity.
To conclude, the latest episode shed light on the necessity of re-evaluating societal expectations around failure and success, especially in the context of gender. As the trio navigated through these intricate discussions, their insights beckon a reformation in how society processes and perceives individual setbacks, advocating for a culture of resilience, open dialogue, and genuine support.
