Do you know that almost 44.5 per cent of women in India identify as homemakers, compared to just 0.8 per cent of men? Sounds shockingly normal, right? According to the Female Labour Utilization in India report, the so-called “Female Homemaker Norm” is one of the major reasons for India’s unemployment crisis. But do you know the saddest part? Women hesitate or feel ashamed to admit they are homemakers, thinking their work has no ‘real value’. That’s exactly what legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan reflected on in a recent blog talking about his conversations with women in the audience on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). 

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Amitabh Bachchan on women homemakers

The actor recently posted a thoughtful note on his personal blog Bachchan Bol. He first congratulated India’s women’s cricket team on winning their match against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. But the heartfelt wish turned sombre as Amitabh Bachchan introspected on his casual conversations with his female audience on KBC. Bachchan said that whenever he asks them what they do in life, the women always share that they’re homemakers, but in a very subdued voice. Through his blog, the actor questioned why women do this. “Kyu, kyu aisa kehti hain aise dabe swar mein?” (Why, why do you say it in a subdued tone?), Bachchan wrote.

“Taking care of the house, husband, children, cooking for everyone, managing other household duties. It’s not an easy job,” he wrote further. Bachchan also recalled the pandemic lockdown when men were compelled to take up household duties for the first time. “Now the men understand how their wives manage the household, when they took up their (wives) work during COVID-19 — what their wives have been doing for so long,” he wrote.

How actors can influence society

Amitabh Bachchan’s encouragement of women homemakers is not only powerful but also a much-needed wake-up call. For years, our society hasn’t acknowledged the work women do as homemakers. That’s why, when renowned Bollywood celebrities and other influential people speak up, their words can create a difference.

Actor Priyanka Chopra recently echoed a similar sentiment about gender equality. As reported by The Bridge Chronicle, Priyanka made a powerful statement about terming household work as “women’s duties”. In an interview, the actor said, “Cleaning and cooking aren’t a woman’s job. They are basic life skills. Don’t confuse gender with laziness.”

While Amitabh Bachchan calls for respect for homemakers, Priyanka Chopra reminds us that domestic work shouldn’t be just a woman’s responsibility. Both of them shift perspectives by giving the much-deserved recognition to household work.

From whisper to confidence

It’s time that every woman empowers herself to own what they put so much effort into. Whether you’re managing a home, a company, or both, your work holds value. And just because the world doesn’t see your effort, let alone pay for it, doesn’t mean it’s not “work”.

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