The pomp and visual artistry of the climax jauhar scene in Padmaavat has allured some and repulsed some. But actress Deepika Padukone, overwhelmed by the praise over her splendid performance in the epic drama, says critics should not pull a scene out of context as no sane person in the present day would endorse an act of self-immolation.
“I am extremely open to having various views and I can choose to agree or disagree. But in the context of this film, it’s so important not to pull a scene out of context. It’s so important to view things in its entirety and totality. It’s important to view the film and respect it for the fact that it was set in India at a time when rituals such as these were practised,” she told newspersons in Mumbai.
“Most obviously, nobody... No sane, intelligent person today would endorse an act of jauhar. You have to look at it for the time it was set in. And on a lighter note, I think certain people just missed the disclaimer at the beginning of the film,” she said.
Padmaavat makers, on instructions by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), added a disclaimer that the film in no manner subscribes to the practice of sati or seeks to glorify it. However, in an open letter, actress Swara Bhasker uninhibitedly expressed how she felt uncomfortable watching the climax. She said she felt reduced to a “vagina only.” For that, she faced vile trolls on social media.
Asked about it, Deepika said, “I might agree or disagree with what she (Swara) said but I respect the fact that she has an opinion. And I think anything beyond that is unnecessary and uncalled for.” She would rather celebrate coming through despite the troughs the film had to go through before release. The box office never tasted sweeter for her. “It feels extremely overwhelming to be very honest. I feel like I am still reeling from everything that we have been through in the last couple of days, and there are moments of feeling surreal and of feeling blessed,” said Deepika.
Is she still hopeful that the film sees the light of the day in RajasthanIJ “For the sake of my fans, yes, I hope it does,” she said. “I wish that for the sake of my fans, this film be released in as many places as possible, because it is a story that needs to be told,” she added.
“Having said that, I am also extremely content with the love and appreciation that we are getting from a lot of places that were completely unexpected. So, whether it’s the US, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, UK, there’s a lot of other places that are giving us just so much love. I guess it balances it.”
Deepika still insists that the film stands for the celebration of womanhood. “I think in a lot of ways, I identified with the character I was playing even though this was set in the 13th century period... It is relevant in so many ways at a time when women have found their voice and there is a beginning of a sense of equality coming to the fore. I find this film extremely relevant in terms of her courage, power, strength, dignity and intelligence.”