‘Those journalists who came to my home understood it was a family problem…’: Shwetha Menon

Actress Shwetha Menon, known for her outspoken views, recently shared candid thoughts on affection, gender dynamics, and the values she grew up with.

In an interview with Movie World Media, the actress questioned societal double standards and urged for more openness in expression. “I talk to everyone. I flirt with all men. Is flirting something that only men are allowed to do? Absolutely not. Life gets complicated when people suppress things. When a beautiful woman walks by, it’s not just men who admire her, women do too. The difference is only in how they look at her,” she said.

According to Shwetha, her father played a crucial role in shaping her perspective. “My father used to admire people with his eyes, but in a very dignified way. He was a gentleman. He would tell me, ‘You should flirt.’ Romance isn’t just about physical touch. I’m an only child, and my father was clear that I shouldn’t grow up to be naïve. He taught me how to survive alone, how to fight, and how to react when attacked. My father was in the Air Force, and everyone in his family is like that.”

She also recounted an incident that took place shortly after her wedding. “A bunch of journalists came to our house. I hug people while greeting them, and during that time it became a topic of debate. But when they visited our ancestral home and saw everyone hugging each other, they realised it was just a family problem,” she said with a smile. “When you feel love, you should express it.”

Reflecting on her personal life, Shwetha shared why she deliberately chose not to marry someone from the film industry. “I know both the positives and negatives of the industry. If both husband and wife are on outdoor shoots at the same time, then there's no family life left,” she explained.

Shwetha is married to journalist Sreevalsan Menon. In addition to her film appearances, she remains an active presence on television. The couple are parents to a daughter named Sabaina, whose privacy they guard closely. Shwetha rarely shares her daughter’s pictures online, stating that Sabaina herself prefers to stay away from the spotlight.

Shwetha Menon will be next seen in ‘Jankar,’ a Malayalam drama delving into revenge, redemption, and raw human emotion. Directed and written by Manoj T  Yadav, the film promises an intense cinematic experience, blending powerful visuals with a compelling storyline. Featuring Shabarish Verma, Sudhir Karamana, Ajmal Sein, Baiju P Kalavedi, and Sheela Sreedharan, ‘Jankar’ is slated for worldwide release on July 4.