Women are better at fighting multiple fires on multiple battlefronts: Soha Ali Khan

Actor, mother, fitness enthusiast and social media influencer, Soha Ali Khan dons many roles. Part of the Pataudi royal family and daughter of famous yesteryears actor Sharmila Tagore, Soha bears an uncanny resemblance to her beautiful and graceful mother. Though her filmography is not a very long one, Soha has made her mark in films like ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’, etc. Soha recently also forayed into the OTT space with the web series, ‘Kaun Banegi Shikharwati’, on ZEE5.

Soha also appeared in a campaign for Vicks VapoRub, where she speaks about Vicks being a part of her for generations as well as the benefits of taking steam inhalation to tackle seasonal cough and cold.

In a freewheeling conversation with Adgully, Soha Ali Khan speaks about gender sensitivity in the new normal, strengths of women, why women excel at crisis handling, the evolution in content consumption and more.

Gender sensitivity and inclusion in the new normal – how can organisations effectively encourage and groom women leaders in challenging times?

I think when it comes to women in the workplace, it is about giving the right opportunities. The minute you give a woman an opportunity, you will see how she will step up and deliver. Typically, women have been excluded from positions of leadership and have been made to feel that perhaps they are not as reliable, because they must manage their homes and that they have priorities when it comes to children, that they menstruate, and all sorts of reasons that they are more emotional. But being emotional is not necessarily a bad thing. I feel that we just need to change our way of thinking and look at the issue in terms of what are the strengths that women bring to the table, such as the ability to multitask, to empathise and perhaps also bring emotion.

I think that they have to fight their way in a world where it’s just about men making decisions or men being visible in the workplace and being in a position of power. Though things are gradually changing, the mindset still needs to change more. This mindset change perhaps only exists predominantly in urban centres like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata, but it needs to filter down to more Tier 2 and 3 towns and rural settings. We really need to amplify the voices of women – that they are very credible, strong, and very capable. It’s just the lack of opportunity. Just ensure that when you look around your board room, your conference table, try and see that you have an inclusion of more women. When it comes to women, young people, minorities – you need to have representation in equal numbers, so that decisions are being made in a fair and democratic manner.

Multiple studies have shown how women leaders performed better during the COVID-19 crisis. According to you, what makes women the best in crisis management?

I think that women are better suited to dealing with crises. I do think that women are just better at multitasking and being able to battle multiple fires on multiple battlefronts. Even when it’s a situation like COVID or when the family’s health is at stake, women have proved it beyond any doubt that they have the ability to run a house and provide food, look after children’s education, handle a stressful day, even as they are working from home. On top of it, women also turn care-giver when someone in the family falls sick, especially in this Covid situation.

I have seen it multiple times in my life that when a family member is unwell or there is a crisis situation at home, women have not fallen apart, but have been able to make clear decisions and have taken the requisite action at the right time. I think when it really counts, I would want a woman on my team to see me through a crisis.

What are your views and observations on content consumptions during these times?

Entertainment is so important, especially during periods of isolation. It has kept relationships alive during the lockdown. Of course, things should be done in moderation, but there are so many shows and movies that I have binged during the lockdown which I love!

Do you think OTT provides a wider choice of roles that help actors to explore their fullest potential, as compared to television?

I think it is not just about OTT, but how the audience is changing. When I started my acting career, back then people would mostly look for aspirational content and wanted to live the life they desire to have through films. Now, people are looking for relatability and they want to see themselves represented on screen. That shift has given the opportunity for more stories and made this space interesting for actors as well.

What is your mantra for a fit and healthy life?

The most important basics are getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet and getting an adequate amount of exercise. I try to fulfil my nutritional requirements from whole foods so that we don’t have to take too many supplements or medication. The idea is to try and build your immune system and ‘prevent’ as much as possible. In terms of sleep, which I believe it is key, because everything becomes easier if you get a good night’s rest, it enables your body to recover, to fight any kind of illnesses that may be developing within your body. I have also never been one to subscribe to diets or anything of that sort, I believe in eating a balanced diet and finding nutritionally rich food sources. Indian food is packed with flavour and necessary vitamins and minerals and helps to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle, which is the end goal.

You recently associated with Vicks VapoRub, could you share more details on the association?

Vicks VapoRub has always been around in my family for generations, helping us get relief from common cold symptoms that our body catches while adjusting to the unpredictable climate. My association with Vicks was to talk about steam inhalation and its benefits, all of which I myself experience every time I am down with a cough or cold.

Vicks VapoRub has been the trusty nuska that my mother passed on with us, which I also use for my family’s wellbeing. The trust this brand enjoys among Indian households makes it a great association.