Movies like Padman (2018) and Period. End of Sentence. (2018) attempted to start a conversation around periods, but the Indian society at large continues to stigmatise it. In such an environment, holding a nuanced discussion about PCOS seems like a far cry. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, commonly referred to as PCOS, is caused by a hormonal imbalance that leads to delayed and painful periods, hirsutism (excessive male-like pattern hair growth) and infertility. Dr Kiran S. Coelho, the Head of Gynaecology at Lilavati Hospital informs, “The prevalence of PCOS is on the rise, especially among women between the ages of 15 and 30 who start their period earlier than normal ... There’s much more pressure in schools and jobs, so the hormonal balance between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovarian hormones gets altered.”
While unhealthy lifestyle choices are considered among the top reasons, research reveals that women of South Asian descent are considered extremely susceptible to it. A report in The Hindu revealed that “an estimated one in five (20%) Indian women suffer from PCOS.”
‘The Period Raaga’ performed by Mahima Dayal Mathur, who goes by the name of Bawari Basanti, and directed by Disha Daswani and Mrunal Shah did not shy away from the difficult task of starting a conversation about PCOS.
The video, launched by RIO Heavy Flow Pads (anti-bacterial sanitary pads designed specifically for heavy flow) by Nobel Hygiene under their #RIOTalksPCOS campaign during the PCOS Awareness Month 2020, intends to create awareness about the ups and downs of the heavy flow that accompany PCOS.
The video’s frames are monochromatic and distinct. The red hues blend seamlessly with Mahima’s sorrowful and beautiful raga — the minimal aesthetic of the video lending to the atmosphere of individual suffering.
The ‘Period Raaga’ attempts to emulate and create an atmosphere that conveys the pain and agony felt during heavy flow. Research has drawn our attention to the etymological origin of the Sanskrit word ‘raga’ which means ‘the act of colouring or dyeing’ (the mind and mood/emotions in this context) and therefore, refers metaphorically to ‘any feeling or passion especially love, affection, sympathy, desire, interest, motivation, joy, or delight.’ Thus, a raga composition comprises of a specific combination of notes which are used by the performer to create a mood (rasa) or atmosphere that is unique to the raga.
“Ragas have always had a certain pain and agony communicated through them. Linking that particular rollercoaster of emotions to what women with PCOS go through really communicated the feeling in a unique way. Supporting the initiative by The Rio Pads, Mahima lent her beautiful voice to the cause and really took the concept to where it is,” exclaimed a representative of Rio Pads.
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