The 2018 release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film “Padmaavat” sparked considerable debate, a discussion that remains relevant even eight years later. Recently, actress Swara Bhasker commented on the film’s depiction of jauhar, a historical practice where women committed mass self-immolation to avoid capture by enemy forces, labeling it as “problematic”. In response, Prakash Kapadia, the film’s co-writer, defended this portrayal, asserting that jauhar reflected the harsh realities of the time. The film featured prominent actors including Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor.

In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Prakash Kapadia stated, “Our film was based on thorough research and historical texts. Each viewer interprets the film in their own way. The jauhar scene we depicted was a factual representation of historical events; it is an unchangeable part of that era. The context was one of life and death.”

Prakash expressed his view that the backlash following Swara’s remarks was unwarranted, adding, “Audience reactions can vary based on individual circumstances; if someone approaches a well-made film with a negative mindset, they may perceive it as poor quality. It also relates to the viewer’s intentions—whether they are there to appreciate the film or to seek out controversy. Many people protested against ‘Padmaavat’ before even viewing it, and this ongoing dialogue continues today. Ultimately, people are entitled to their opinions.”

Swara Bhasker, during an event at the India International Centre in Delhi, reflected on the backlash she faced after publishing an open letter to Bhansali regarding her concerns about the jauhar scene. She shared, “As I watched the scene depicting 800 women committing jauhar, I thought, if I were a survivor of sexual assault, what message does this send? Would I feel like a coward for not choosing death to preserve my honor? In a society grappling with a rape crisis, is this the narrative we want to convey to survivors—that they should end their lives? Are we suggesting that surviving an assault makes one unworthy?”

Swara further expressed her outrage over a particular shot in the film, recalling, “There was a close-up of a pregnant woman, which infuriated me. It felt like the film was implying that a female fetus should not be born because she might face rape at the hands of an invader. After this experience, I took five days to reflect before writing my letter.”

Despite receiving significant criticism for her comments, Swara took to Instagram to clarify her stance, stating, “Recently, a clip from an event where I discussed my letter to Bhansali has gone viral, leading to misinterpretations. I want to clarify that I never called Rani Padmaavati or the other women cowards. What I meant was that if I were a rape survivor watching that climax, I would feel like a coward for not ending my life. This reflects the harsh reality of our society. Should films portray the idea that a woman’s honor is more important than her life? Should we tell survivors that they should have chosen death over survival?”

Nawaz Javed Kochra, an experienced entertainment journalist at The Indian Express Online, specializes in cultural reporting and has nearly a decade of experience in the field. His focus lies primarily in the television and OTT sectors, where he has become a well-respected voice, known for his high-profile interviews and comprehensive coverage of the Indian entertainment industry.

Nawaz holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Mumbai University, which has provided him with a strong academic foundation. Over his 11-year career, he has worked with several leading media organizations, building a diverse portfolio across digital, print, and broadcast platforms:

• The Indian Express: Currently oversees coverage of TV and OTT content, creating both written analyses and popular video interviews.
• Former Positions: He started at Stardust Magazine and later held significant roles at Zoom TV, Zee Multimedia, MissMalini, Bollywood Bubble, and Raindrop Media.

His expertise encompasses exclusive access to industry trends, with a focus on reality television, the evolving OTT landscape, and in-depth celebrity profiles and interviews.