As Padmavati courts controversy, actress Deepika Padukone chooses to stand tall amidst the death threats and bounty. She refuses to bend down in front of hooliganism of fringe which demands head for playing the Rajput queen on screen. Not only once, but many times Deepika Padukone stuck to her opinion that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati is film India should be proud of. She also said that despite the protests, nothing can stop the release of this period film.
Talking about the hate campaign against her, Deepika Padukone said in a recent interview to Mumbai Mirror, “Well, at this point, as a woman, an artiste and a citizen of this country I feel angry, I feel let down and I also find it amusing.”
When asked if she was scared of the death threats issued to her, she said, “I will never feel scared. Fear is not an emotion I have ever identified with.”
She goes on speaking about the creative freedom that the filmmakers and artistes have been enjoying in world’s biggest democracy is being curtailed by these hullabaloo. She said, ““Yes, people are allowed to express themselves without having even seen the film. And having worked in the film, I can assure you it’s one film every Indian will be proud of. I’m glad we are showcasing Padmaviti’s journey. Her story needs to be told not just to people in this country but across the world.”
In an interview with DNA, she said that she has full faith in judicial system of India. She said, “full faith in the judicial system of our country. I know no wrong will be done”. Talking about the protests, she added, “There is fraction out there who is doing what it is. But as I said at the start, I have faith in our judicial system.’’
Ranveer Singh, who is playing Alauddin Khilji in the film also backed Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He said, “I am 200 per cent with the film and I stand by it as well as Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I also stand by his vision for the film. He had a vision and has done everything to realise it. Vis-à-vis the film, I can just request the audience and everybody else who have concerns about it to wait and watch the film. One shouldn’t doubt Sanjay sir; he is a magnificent film-maker and has tremendous respect for Indian culture and an enormous respect for Indian heritage and he will never intentionally hurt sentiments or do anything wrong. He is a good man with good intentions.”
Padmavati is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama which narrates the life and legend of Rajput Queen Rani Padmini and how she performed self-immolation to protect the pride of her kingdom. The film is facing flak from various quarters of religious groups. Rajput Karni Sena has called for a nationwide ‘bandh’ if the film releases on December 1.
