Gauahar Khan recently expressed her frustration on Instagram regarding comments made by former VJ Nikhil Chinapa, who implied that her criticism of his gameplay in the Alliance reality show might be related to her possibly experiencing menopause. In her response, Khan challenged Chinapa’s assumptions about her age and related health status, stating, “What do you mean? You’re making an assumption about my age and suggesting that I might be going through menopause or pre-menopause, and that’s why I have these opinions about you as a player. This is absurd and quite laughable. It reflects a profound ignorance to assume that a woman’s menstrual cycle or menopause affects her ability to express valid opinions. Just so you know, I gave birth nine months ago, so I’m clearly not facing menopause or perimenopause issues. I’m very much capable of having another child right now. Nikhil Chinapa, please get your facts straight and show sensitivity towards women when you categorize them in this manner. It’s appalling.”
Khan’s remarks have sparked a broader discussion about the casual use of menopause as a means to undermine women’s voices. Dr. Preeti Chowdry, the Director and Head of Gynaecology & Obstetrics at Asian Hospital, points out that perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of life, not medical conditions or indicators of diminished capability. “Employing terms such as menopause or perimenopause to dismiss a woman’s perspective reinforces damaging stereotypes and hinders meaningful discussions about women’s health,” she explains.
Dr. Chowdry elaborates that while hormonal fluctuations during these transitions can cause symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, they do not dictate a woman’s intelligence or competence. “A prevalent myth is that all women become overly emotional or unable to function during menopause. In truth, experiences vary significantly. Some women endure severe discomfort, while others may hardly notice any symptoms. Menopause should be viewed as a normal life event that requires understanding and appropriate medical attention rather than mockery.”
Many women undergo shifts in mood, sleep, and energy levels during perimenopause and menopause, which can be influenced by decreasing estrogen levels, according to Dr. Chowdry. These changes may lead to anxiety, irritability, and fatigue, but do not diminish a woman’s ability to make rational decisions. “The cognitive effects of menopause are typically mild and temporary. Most women continue to excel in their personal and professional lives. To disregard a woman’s opinion simply due to her menopausal status is not only medically inaccurate but also discriminatory, contributing to unwarranted stigma,” she asserts.
Dr. Deepika Sharma, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Asian Hospital, emphasizes that using menopause as an insult only perpetuates a culture where women’s voices are routinely invalidated based on their biology. “When terms like ‘menopausal’ are used in a derogatory manner, they normalize psychological stigma. Over time, this can adversely affect a woman’s self-esteem and mental health,” Dr. Sharma notes. She warns that consistently attributing a woman’s thoughts or reactions to hormonal changes sends a damaging message about the validity of her opinions.
“Being labeled in this way can lead women to feel dismissed and unheard. Rather than fostering open discussions about a natural life stage, it creates feelings of shame and may prevent women from seeking support when needed,” she adds. Dr. Chowdry advocates for families, workplaces, and communities to acknowledge menopause as a normal life event that should not call into question a woman’s abilities or emotional stability. “Supportive workplace policies, awareness initiatives, and open dialogues can help diminish stigma. Family members should listen nonjudgmentally and recognize that emotional support or medical care may be necessary during this time,” she advises.
Dr. Sharma agrees on the importance of empathy over stereotypes, stating, “When biases are replaced with respect and evidence-based understanding, women feel supported instead of judged. Language is significant; seemingly harmless comments can reinforce biases that affect women’s confidence and mental well-being.”
In a recent interview following his eviction from Alliance, Nikhil Chinapa was asked about Gauahar Khan’s critique of his gameplay. Responding to her observation that he and Mini Mathur were collaborating too closely, he remarked, “Perhaps Mini has more insight into this because she often deals with menopause and perimenopause, so she might understand why Gauahar expressed her views.”
