Ali Fazal engages in a thought-provoking discussion on arts, women, and their freedom to express sexuality; says, “The men have not been taught to listen”

The actor-producer engaged in a profound discussion, delving into topics such as the societal challenges surrounding women's freedom of expression.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

March 20, 2025 - 10:49 AM IST

In a recent interview with The Dirty Magazine, acclaimed actor Ali Fazal engaged in a profound discussion with Gillian Anderson, delving into topics such as the historical significance of erotica in India and the societal challenges surrounding women's freedom of expression.

Ali Fazal engages in a thought-provoking discussion on arts, women, and their freedom to express sexuality; says, “The men have not been taught to listen”

Fazal highlighted India's rich heritage in erotic art and literature, noting, "Erotica is old to India. Of course, now we don't like to even use the word sex before education." Anderson probed deeper into the societal apprehensions, asking, "Where does the fear come from of a woman being able to either speak up or to speak about things that she may want?" In response, Fazal observed, "The men have not been taught to listen. We were never taught to be able to talk to women about what they really want."

The conversation further explored the necessity of advancing cultural perspectives. Anderson remarked, "That's kind of the only way that cultures can move forward, right?" Fazal concurred, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive sex education: "Sex education, right? Have more fun ways to understand what that is, that entire world. I mean, yeah, this is an endless topic. We can just go on and on and on."

This conversation is part of The Dirty Magazine’s Dirty Talks series and marks the final piece in Anderson’s collaboration with the magazine and her platform, G Ode. The discussion centers on the freedom for women to explore, define, and express what they want—whether in the bedroom or the boardroom—and why this conversation must also involve men, particularly in societies where outdated stereotypes still dominate. Fazal, an acclaimed actor, director, activist, and producer of Girls Will Be Girls, shares his perspective on how cultural change can be driven through the arts, aligning with Anderson’s mission to challenge norms and reshape societal narratives.

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Ali Fazal's participation in this interview reflects his commitment to addressing complex societal issues, using his platform to foster conversations that encourage cultural growth and understanding. Meanwhile, considering the actor’s fan following, the interview segment has garnered attention on social media platforms, with users praising the candid discussion.

On the work front, Ali Fazal is busy with his upcoming projects with his blockbuster web-series Mirzapur too being turned into a film, which is expected to be one of his highly anticipated forthcoming projects in the pipeline.

Also Read: Ali Fazal speaks on training 6-7 hours daily, growing real hair for Raj and DK’s Rakht Brahmand: “I knew this would require intense preparation”