Veteran actors and real-life couple Manoj Pahwa and Seema Pahwa have sparked a conversation with their candid views on traditional gender roles within the family. The duo, who recently shared screen space in the web series Perfect Family, opened up about their perspectives in an interview with Digital Commentary, suggesting that women rejecting household responsibilities are acting against their inherent nature.
The Foundation of Traditional Roles
Seema Pahwa elaborated on the historical division of labour, framing it as a natural outcome of inherent qualities. She explained that the traditional model where men work outside and women manage the home was likely based on a woman's soft and maternal nature. "For her to take responsibility of the home comes automatically," she stated. Reflecting on her personal journey after marriage, Seema recounted taking on duties like cooking, preparing children for school, and caring for in-laws without rebellion.
"I thought I had to do this work because these are my duties. And it is not an obligation. I get satisfaction from it," she expressed. She emphasized finding personal joy in these tasks, like cooking for Manoj when he goes for a shoot, stating she does it for her own sense of fulfillment.
A Warning to the Younger Generation
Addressing younger women who question these established roles, Seema Pahwa adopted a firm stance. "I talk like an old woman to the youngsters when they revolt about gender roles… what is the problem in doing housework," she said. As someone who has balanced a career with home life, she issued a strong opinion: "If we despise housework, then we as women, we are going against our nature."
Manoj Pahwa's Take on Genetic Behaviour and Modern Traps
Manoj Pahwa echoed similar sentiments, rooting the dynamic in primal human behavior. He described it as "genetic behaviour," drawing an analogy to ancient times where men hunted and women cared for the home and children. He argued that this ingrained nature has created a complex situation for modern women.
"In modern society, girls got trapped because this nature is genetically ingrained in them but they also want to become independent," Manoj said. He used the phrase "Double chakkar mein khud he fass gae" (They got trapped in between two roles) to describe the predicament where women now feel compelled to manage both domestic and professional spheres. He acknowledged that change is slow, noting, "It takes thousands of years to change genetic behaviour, and now we are seeing a few examples of men staying at home when the women have a good career."
The interview, recorded in Chennai and published on December 6, 2025, presents a clear window into the couple's beliefs, reaffirming traditional viewpoints amidst ongoing societal debates about equality and shared responsibility in households.
