Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, who essays the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat, has responded to Swara Bhaskar’s open letter to the filmmaker where she claimed the film left her feeling “reduced to a vagina”. Shahid said in an interview to Navbharat Times that at a time when the entire film industry stands with the movie, Swara’s opinion comes across as “odd”. He also said he has not read the letter yet.
Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid in lead roles, Padmaavat is based on the 13 century poem by Malik Mohammad Jayasi, Padmavat.
When asked why he decided to take the role, he said: "There are some films that are very close to your heart and then there are some films which you have to experience with other people. I did this character of Ratan Singh for people because I wanted people to know more about him, about his valour and his sacrifices."
Talking about Swara’s letter, the actor said, “Yes, I got to know that Swara has written an open letter. But I haven’t read the letter, it is very long and we are all busy. I have no clue what is her issue but I think her issues are with Bhansali sir. I can say that this is not the right time for such things. Padmaavat represents the entire film industry, it represents freedom of expression and freedom of speech. The journey of the film, reaching the audience has been very tough and the entire film industry stands with us right now. Given the circumstances, her letter seems quite frivolous. Though, she has expressed her personal views and everyone has the right to voice their opinion.”
In her open letter to the filmmaker published online on Sunday, Swara slammed Bhansali for “glorifying jauhar” (mass sati) in the period drama, which released amidst violent protests on January 25 after months of controversies. “Women have the right to live, despite being raped sir. Women have the right to live, despite the death of their husbands, male ‘protectors’, ‘owners’, ‘controllers of their sexuality’.. whatever you understand the men to be. Women have the right to live — independent of whether men are living or not. Women have the right to live. Period. Women are not only walking talking vaginas,” the Anarkali of Aarah star wrote in her letter.
{{/usCountry}}In her open letter to the filmmaker published online on Sunday, Swara slammed Bhansali for “glorifying jauhar” (mass sati) in the period drama, which released amidst violent protests on January 25 after months of controversies. “Women have the right to live, despite being raped sir. Women have the right to live, despite the death of their husbands, male ‘protectors’, ‘owners’, ‘controllers of their sexuality’.. whatever you understand the men to be. Women have the right to live — independent of whether men are living or not. Women have the right to live. Period. Women are not only walking talking vaginas,” the Anarkali of Aarah star wrote in her letter.
{{/usCountry}}While singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthy took offence to the way Swara voiced her opinion, most Bollywood celebs, including filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and Rohit Shetty have said she has the right to her own opinion, though they insisted they did not find anything objectionable in the film.
Follow @htshowbiz for more
Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.