Swara Bhasker's Comments on Jauhar Spark Protests in Agra
Controversy Surrounding Swara Bhasker's Remarks
Actress Swara Bhasker has come under fire for her remarks about the portrayal of *Jauhar* in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film *Padmaavat*. Her comments have led to a backlash on social media, prompting her to clarify her stance. In Agra, protests erupted against her, with demonstrators burning and trampling her posters.
Details of the Protest
**Who Organized the Protest?**
On Tuesday, Kunwar Ajay Tomar, the state head of the 'Yogi Youth Brigade,' spearheaded the protest. He condemned Bhasker for questioning the bravery and sacrifices of Rani Padmavati and other Rajput women who committed *Jauhar*, claiming she did not grasp the historical context of that time.
Threats Made During the Protest
**What Reward Was Offered?**
During the demonstration, Tomar announced a reward of ₹1.51 lakh for anyone who would cut out Swara Bhasker's tongue, using derogatory language against her.
Origin of the Controversy
**When Did It Start?**
The controversy ignited on August 31 when Bhasker expressed her views on the *Jauhar* scene in *Padmaavat* at a Delhi event. She suggested that depicting *Jauhar* as an honorable act could mislead rape survivors, questioning whether a woman's purity should be prioritized over her life.
Swara Bhasker's Clarification
**What Did She Clarify?**
In a subsequent Instagram video, Swara Bhasker clarified that she did not label Rani Padmavati or the other women as cowards. She emphasized her concern about what contemporary films choose to glorify, asserting that a rape survivor should never feel diminished for having survived.
Social Media Debate
**What Was Discussed Online?**
The incident also ignited a debate on social media, particularly between Swara Bhasker and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, focusing on the themes of 'choice' and the 'glorification of *Jauhar*.'
Writer's Response
**What Did the Writer Say?**
Prakash Kapadia, the writer of *Padmaavat*, also addressed the issue. In an interview with a media outlet, he stated, "Our film was based on thorough research and historical accounts. Interpretations vary, but what we depicted—including the *Jauhar* scene—was a reflection of the realities of that time. It was a matter of survival."
Box Office Success of 'Padmaavat'
**What Were the Film's Earnings?**
Even before its release, *Padmaavat* faced significant controversy, with violent protests erupting over claims of historical inaccuracies and calls for a ban. The film's title was changed from 'Padmavati' to 'Padmaavat' due to these protests. Nevertheless, it emerged as a commercial success, grossing over ₹585 crore globally, according to reports.
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