(Image source from: newindianexpress.com)

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar who took the lead role in the intrepid movie on menstrual hygiene ‘Padman’ is geared up to flag off a nation-wide run to “beat the stigma around periods” on International Women’s Day Friday.

The run will be held in more than 500 cities across over 20 states to end taboos around menstruation, a press release by the organizers said in Lucknow.

“A large number of participants have already registered for 'Run4Niine' Lucknow to participate in running, walking, jogging and even wheeling in the city to help beat the stigma associated with menstruation,” the organizers said.

Akshay Kumar said he was excited to be partnering with the event organizers to encourage "an open and unashamed discussion on menstruation" with the fellow citizens, pad heroes, change makers and the path-breakers.

"Each one of us that takes part in 'Run4Niine' helps to create an unstoppable force that will beat the stigma around periods," Kumar was quoted in the release.

"The International Women's Day is a significant day for women and girls across the world, a day when women are not only celebrated for their achievements and contributions in all sectors of life but a cold reminder of inequalities that exist in our society..," he said.

These inequalities have kept girls and women back for centuries, said the popular Bollywood actor in the release.

The International Women's Day serves as a fitting day for everyone to come together to tackle menstrual taboos, he added.

-Sangam Sowmya