Swara Bhasker SLAMS Deepika's Jauhar scene in Padmaavat: "Are we saying rape is the end of a woman’s life?"

Swara Bhasker has once again sparked a debate with her views on a Bollywood film. At a recent event in Delhi, the actor revisited Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2018 period drama Padmaavat and questioned the way its climactic Jauhar sequence was presented. Swara argued that the scene could leave a troubling message for rape survivors and raised concerns over its depiction of women choosing death over the possibility of sexual violence.

Swara Bhasker Questions Padmaavat’s Jauhar Sequence

Speaking at the Woman Life Freedom talk at the India International Centre on August 31, Swara spoke at length about the scene featuring Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati. She questioned what a survivor of sexual assault might take away from watching women being shown embracing Jauhar to protect their honour.

Swara said she wondered how she would feel if she were a rape survivor watching the sequence. According to her, the scene could make a woman feel that she had failed to protect her honour by choosing to survive. She also questioned the larger idea of presenting rape as something that could bring an end to a woman’s life.

The actor further pointed to a shot showing a pregnant woman participating in Jauhar. She questioned the implications of showing an unborn child in the sequence and said the moment particularly upset her. Swara added that she waited several days before putting her thoughts into a letter, suggesting that her reaction remained unchanged even after reflecting on the scene.

Why Padmaavat’s Ending Has Remained Controversial

In Padmaavat, the Jauhar sequence appears towards the end after Alauddin Khilji’s forces breach Chittor. Deepika’s Rani Padmavati leads the women of the fort into the act of collective self-immolation as the Rajputs face defeat.

The sequence follows the death of Maharawal Ratan Singh, played by Shahid Kapoor, and Khilji’s victory over Chittor. Bhansali’s treatment of the episode became one of the film’s most discussed elements, particularly because of the film’s portrayal of honour, sacrifice and violence against women.

Swara’s Comments Trigger Strong Reactions Online

Swara’s remarks have now led to a fresh debate on social media. While some users agreed with her concerns about the messaging around sexual violence and survival, others strongly disagreed with her interpretation of Jauhar.

Several social media users argued that Jauhar should be viewed within its historical context and described it as an act of resistance and courage in the face of capture and violence. Some criticised Swara for connecting the historical practice with the experiences of modern-day rape survivors.

Released in 2018, Padmaavat starred Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles, with Ranveer playing Sultan Alauddin Khilji.