Swara Bhasker has again brought back into contention the issue concerning the controversial jauhar scene in the movie "Padmaavat" made by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In a recent interview, Swara Bhasker talked about the final scene of this movie while participating in a discussion called Woman Life Freedom at the India International Centre, Delhi.
Swara raised concerns about depicting sexual violence in a manner that makes the woman believe that there is no life left for her after facing such a violence. Showing women opting for death in preference to their survival after going through sexual violence could send out wrong signals to those women who have survived such acts of violence.
Swara Bhasker Questions The Message Behind Padmaavat's Jauhar Scene
Addressing the audience, Swara elaborated on her apprehensions over the last scene of Padmaavat, in which the women decide to perform jauhar because they do not wish to be captured and subjected to sexual assault. The question raised by Swara is whether it is proper for the cinema to show death as more dignified than living through that ordeal.
In the opinion of Swara, the depiction can inadvertently contribute to the perception that once a woman has been subjected to sexual violence, she has lost her dignity and value as an individual.
## Actress Had Previously Criticised Padmaavat's Depiction
Swara’s recent comments are not the first time she has raised doubts about the film’s depiction of jauhar. In the aftermath of Padmaavat’s release, she had already addressed an open letter to its director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, about her unease over the depiction.
The controversy created by her comments earlier raised many debates regarding the representation of history, feminist ideology and filmmaking decisions. Years down the line, her new comments have once again thrown light on the very issue.
Also Read: Kiara Advani Reportedly in Consideration for Ki & Ka 2
Social Media Users Slam Swara Over Her Remarks
In the aftermath of this debate, a few people using social media disagreed with Swara's interpretation of the scene. Some attacked her knowledge of the history of that period, while others attacked her for failing to see the cultural and historical importance of jauhar.
Some of the comments directed at the actress used language like "Is she dumb?", "Shame on you" and "Complete idiot." The criticisms soon became part of the bigger discussion, but most of them were not constructive and centered on criticism of Swara personally.
Padmaavat Debate Raises Bigger Questions About Jauhar
Again, the controversy has made it clear how complex the issue is concerning the depiction of jauhar in Indian films. Although one side sees this scene as an account of history, with the involvement of violence against women who chose to die honorably, another group argues that the portrayal may lead to the romanticization of self-sacrifice and notions of honor and sexual violence.
In light of Swara Bhasker’s comments, a much larger discussion on how filmmakers should portray certain practices of the past and trauma involving women choices has been reopened by this film.
Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Blunt Response to Paparazzi Goes Viral Online