When Janhvi Kapoor spoke about saying no to filmmakers who oversexualise her: ‘What did I consent to?’

A few months before the release of Peddi, Janhvi Kapoor spoke about oversexualisation by filmmakers. Looking back as filmmakers face flak over it.

The last few hours have seen the makers of Peddi face flak for objectifying Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyyamma, in the film. Both director Buchi Babu Sana and lead actor Ram Charan have come under fire for the way her character is presented. Some have even blamed Janhvi for agreeing to the role. Looking back at when she spoke about how oversexualisation by filmmakers affected her. (Also Read: Peddi: Hero assaults heroine but Buchi Babu Sana insists on calling it ‘romance’ in Ram Charan-Janhvi Kapoor film)

When Janhvi Kapoor spoke against oversexualisation

Janhvi Kapoor's Achiyyamma was objectified in Peddi and the makers face flak.

On Raj Shamani’s podcast in April, Janhvi was asked if it affects her when filmmakers oversexualise her. She stated that it all depends on what she consented to. “I think at any and every stage, it’s important to ask yourself, what did I consent to? So, for example, I did a song called Bheegi Saree (in Param Sundari) where I’m in a wet saree, and I’m dancing pretty sensually. The idea for that was, I wouldn’t say to titillate, but it was a sensual song. I think if someone looked at that and said, I’m not attracted to this chick, I would feel maybe offended. But that’s very different from sexualising someone, especially without their consent. That, in any and every form, I’m not okay with. And that does bother me.”

In the same conversation, Janhvi rued that the audience and filmmakers' perceptions of her affect the professional work she gets. Filmmakers think a heroine should have modesty, so the first time she’s seen in a bikini is on-screen in their film. They also send offers based on how much the audience likes her.

What Janhvi Kapoor said about Peddi role

During the film’s promotions in Mumbai, Janhvi spoke about her role in Peddi and said, “I have only gone on his (Buchi Babu Sana) conviction, to be very honest. Ye mujhe hatke directions dete the ki jeeb ke saath ye karo, skirt ke saath ye karo, aise baath karo. Ye character ka jo andaaz hai, vo tevar hai, vo bohot hatke hai, bothot atrangi hai. (He used to give me out-of-the-box directions to move my tongue like this or skirt like that and talk like this. This character’s mannerisms are unique and colourful).”

The actor then pointed at a reviewer sitting in the crowd and claimed that feedback for her acting should be directed at Buchi, saying, “When you review the film. Jo bhi maine kiya, aap inka naam lijiye. (Take his name while talking about my acting).” Peddi was released in theatres on June 4 with premieres on June 3. The filmmakers have since faced fire for featuring Janhvi and Ram in problematic scenes and passing it off as romance.