Swara Bhasker criticizes ‘Padmaavat’ depiction of Jauhar

Actor Swara Bhasker has reignited a debate regarding the 2018 film ‘Padmaavat’, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, following her recent remarks at an event in Delhi. Bhasker criticized the film’s depiction of Jauhar—a practice of collective self-immolation—arguing that the portrayal sends a harmful message to survivors of sexual violence.

Bhasker questioned whether the film implies that women who do not commit suicide to protect their honor are cowards, suggesting this narrative is problematic in a society facing a rape epidemic. She specifically highlighted a scene involving a close-up of a pregnant woman, questioning the implication that a female fetus might not deserve to be born due to the threat of violence.

In response to the controversy, actor Shriya Pilgaonkar has weighed in on the discussion, noting that the community cannot judge the complexities of the subject.