Parno Mittra: Clean public toilets are essential for women; 'Susu' is the first Indian film to address the issue

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 24 March 2022

As the film 'Susu' begins production today, the first look of Parno Mittra as Sunetra Sundaram is finally available.

It's a film directed by Shib Ram Sharma that addresses a vital problem. "The storey of how a simple girl from Bardhaman battles the inconvenient task of controlling pee, often against her own body, how she lands her dream job, and eventually her dream man, and how she makes friends along the way, stands up for the inherent female right to have proper bathrooms in local trains, railway stations, on the road, and in offices because this is a very basic necessity that is massively lacking, almost like our birthright," says the author.

Peeing is necessary, just like breathing, and the location must be clean and safe, especially for girls. "The problem must be addressed," Parno said, giving a glimpse into the film's core premise.
We've seen films like 'PadMan' or 'Toilet Ek Prem Katha' address issues like women's periods, but this is the first time an Indian film is being made on this topic, and it's also encouraging to see a male filmmaker taking the initiative to address such a serious issue, according to Parno.

When asked if she has ever had trouble controlling her pee while outside, the actress acknowledges that she has. “Yes, I have also suffered, It’s like a regular problem for even actresses like me. Be it outdoor shoot, or the macha shows in rural areas this situation is really uncomfortable for us.”

Speaking about the importance of making a film like ‘Susu’, director Shiv Ram Sharma shares, “I have seen my wife in such trouble many times. The cheap toilet was so dirty that the wife did not go there. He became seriously ill. I think such problems should be highlighted more.”