Green flag men aren’t just fictional heroes in films they exist in real life too. From sharing domestic chores to openly appreciating their mothers' sacrifices, many modern men are challenging outdated gender norms. In an exclusive interview with Hook, ‘Lafangey’ actor Gagan Arora offered a heartfelt reflection on the unseen labour of mothers and how adulthood gave him a new lens to view those years of silent sacrifice.
“When I have to cook for myself now, I finally understand,” Gagan shared. Like many of us, he admitted that he once complained about his mother’s food without ever questioning the effort behind it. “Mummy used to do everything cook, clean, take care of the house with no help, and yet we reacted to warm, home-cooked meals with ‘What is this, yaar?’” His honesty struck a universal chord, shedding light on how undervalued and thankless domestic work often is, especially when done by women.
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This moment of realisation from Gagan underscores the immense, often invisible value women bring to households. Cooking, cleaning, and caregiving these tasks may not appear on any pay slip, but they form the backbone of family life. And yet, they’re dismissed as "just part of being a woman." Such responsibilities are too often expected, not appreciated.
But should it take stepping into those shoes to truly see their worth?
At the India Today Conclave East 2022, actor Rajkummar Rao echoed this sentiment when asked if he helps with household chores. “We both share the responsibilities,” he said, referring to his wife. “I like things organised and clean, so I do my bit. Even if she says, ‘It’ll get done later,’ I stop and do it right then.” His words reflect the growing awareness that housework is not a woman’s duty; it’s a shared responsibility.
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Actors like Imran Khan and Shahid Kapoor have gone a step further by taking paternity leave, setting an example that parenting isn’t solely a mother’s job either. Their decision to prioritise family over professional demands sent a strong message that fatherhood deserves time, care, and equal commitment.
As we rethink gender roles in modern society, one question stands out: Isn’t it high time we stopped treating domestic work as “women’s work”? Whether it’s raising children, washing dishes, or managing a household, these tasks are human responsibilities, not gendered ones.
In a world striving for gender equity, sharing the invisible load is no longer optional; it’s essential. By acknowledging and valuing the domestic contributions of women, and stepping up to share those roles, we move towards healthier homes, better partnerships, and more balanced lives.
