Adah Sharma Refuses To Comment On Janhvi Kapoor’s Peddi Controversy: ‘Pertaining To Someone Lusting Over Me..’

Ram Charan’s Peddi has been making headlines for more than just its box office performance. While the film has generated considerable buzz among audiences, it recently landed in the middle of a controversy after several viewers objected to scenes featuring Janhvi Kapoor’s character. The criticism quickly spread across social media, with many users accusing the makers of relying on outdated and problematic depictions of women. As the backlash intensified, director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology and confirmed that the contentious scenes would be removed from the film.

The controversy has since sparked reactions from various corners of the entertainment industry. Actress Adah Sharma was recently asked about the debate during an interview with Zoom and whether she had any views on the criticism directed at Janhvi Kapoor and the film’s portrayal of women.

“I have never shied away from commenting on any question asked about a film Im part of. Even during The Kerala Story, I answered everything. If there is a scene l am in, in a film of any language, and I’m asked about it, I will definitely answer pertaining to someone lusting for me or th other way around.”

I have never shied away from commenting on any question asked about a film Im part of. Even during The Kerala Story, I answered everything. If there is a scene l am in, in a film of any language, and I’m asked about it, I will definitely answer pertaining to someone lusting for me or th other way around.

- Adah Sharma

However, Adah clarified that she was not in a position to comment directly on Peddi as she had neither worked in the film nor watched it.

“I am not in Peddi and haven’t watched the film yet. Also, my journey as someone who isn’t from the industry will be very different from someone who belongs to the film industry, so I don’t think my comment will be valid here.”

While steering clear of the controversy itself, Adah spoke about accountability in filmmaking and said responsibility for representation extends far beyond actors.

I am not in Peddi and haven’t watched the film yet. Also, my journey as someone who isn’t from the industry will be very different from someone who belongs to the film industry, so I don’t think my comment will be valid here.

- Adah Sharma

“Not just female actors; I think male actors as well, directors, writers, and even the person selecting the fake moustaches and wigs. One bad choice and the whole nation suffers. Change doesn’t arrive with a drumroll.”

She further explained that meaningful change in cinema is often gradual and becomes visible only over time.

“It’s like eating vegetables - you don’t notice the effect immediately, but one day everyone looks healthier. Women in real life are funny, scary, brave, confused, intelligent, dramatic and sometimes all before breakfast. I enjoy when Im offered scripts where the female character doesn have only one setting.”

Not just female actors; I think male actors as well, directors, writers, and even the person selecting the fake moustaches and wigs. One bad choice and the whole nation suffers. Change doesn’t arrive with a drumroll. It’s like eating vegetables - you don’t notice the effect immediately, but one day everyone looks healthier. Women in real life are funny, scary, brave, confused, intelligent, dramatic and sometimes all before breakfast. I enjoy when Im offered scripts where the female character doesn have only one setting.

- Adah Sharma

Adah’s remarks arrive at a time when conversations around representation in cinema are becoming increasingly prominent. Although she refrained from weighing in on Peddi specifically, the actress underscored the importance of thoughtful decision making at every stage of filmmaking, a point that continues to resonate amid the ongoing debate surrounding the film.