Swara Bhasker has been away from the big screen for a long time, yet she frequently makes headlines due to her statements. Now, she is once again the subject of discussion because of her remarks. Recently, she raised questions regarding the ‘Jauhar’ scene in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2018 film Padmaavat. The actress had previously written an open letter to Bhansali after the film’s release, strongly criticizing it, and has now once again questioned the ‘Jauhar’ sequence. During an event, Swara defended her earlier statement, in which she had argued that the depiction of ‘Jauhar’ in the film conveys a wrong message about women.
What did Swara Bhasker say?
Speaking at an event held at the India International Centre, Swara Bhasker openly discussed the ‘Jauhar’ scene in Padmaavat and clarified her stance on the matter once again. The actress argued that such films reinforce the societal notion that if a woman is a rape victim or has been wronged, she loses the right to live. It creates the impression that a woman’s honor is tied solely to her physical purity.
Swara Bhasker’s statement
Addressing this issue, Swara Bhasker said, “God forbid I ever become a victim of rape, but if something like that were to happen to me, what message would his film convey? That I am a coward and should give up my life—commit suicide—to save my honor? What exactly do you want to tell our society? Rape has spread like an epidemic here; do you want to send a message to the women of our society that those who have been raped do not deserve to live and should commit suicide? Could they not have been considered honorable and brave women? Does rape signify the end of a woman’s life?” “This is highly objectionable.”
Netizens angered by Swara Bhasker’s statement
As soon as Swara Bhasker’s statement went viral, a section of social media users began targeting her. On X (formerly Twitter), many users shared the video of the actress’s statement and expressed their displeasure. One user remarked that it is easy to sit in a room and make grand statements, whereas it was extremely difficult for the women of that era to actually face the situation. Another critic pointed out that the women who performed Jauhar were steadfast in protecting their honor and faith.
Swara Bhasker had contracted dengue
Swara Bhasker had also been in the news regarding her health earlier in August. She shared a post on social media revealing that she was battling dengue. She also posted a picture of herself lying in a hospital bed. Upon seeing the image, fans immediately began praying for her speedy recovery.
