Posted:
Bollywood celebrities who rose in support of 'Padmavati'
Pratibha Devasenapathy | November 15, 2017
The never-ending saga of controversies that have totally stolen the bright light of Padmavati' starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor are spreading like wildfire. Despite unending support of the filmmakers and actors from the Hindi cinema industry, protestors and activists seem to be resorting to only violence without even watching the film. While some celebrities turned a blind eye towards the controversy, here are a few brave ones who did not refrain from speaking their minds on Padmavati' row out loud.
Deepika Padukone on Padmavati'
Deepika Padukone had earlier taken to Twitter to clarify, "As Padmavati I can assure you that there is absolutely no distortion of history. Our only endeavour is and has always been to share with the world the story of this courageous and powerful woman in the purest form there is. In the face of the increasing protests against Padmavati', she said at the 3D trailer launch, "Nothing and no one can stop this film."
Ranveer Singh on Padmavati'
Ranveer Singh, who plays the antagonist Alauddin Khilji in the film, had said, "As a team, we are making 'Padmavati' keeping in mind the sensitivities and emotions of the people of Rajasthan and the Rajput community. Sanjay Sir is one of the most accomplished and authentic filmmakers we have in India, and he won't ever do anything to hurt anyone's feelings."
Shahid Kapoor on Padmavati'
At a recent event, Shahid Kapoor, who will essay the role of Maharawal Ratan Singh, said, "Watch the film and then decide. Give the film a chance and don't form preconceived notions. We have tried to keep everyone's feelings and interests in mind... We will respect whatever people think of the film but you should see it first."
Farhan Akhtar on Padmavati'
Supporting Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati', he said we mustn't underestimate an audience's intelligence and in fact, we must show them films to courage them to understand the culture and think. He said, "It's not about just those two films or 'Padmavati'. This has happened with many films in the past and every time it has happened, I have spoken openly about it that it should not happen. I am totally against anything being banned. I genuinely believe that we should stop treating our audiences as children. We should allow them to grow. Expose them to different types of ideas. Allow them to understand culture and think. It is important for the development of any nation that there are viewpoints, that are not always in agreement with the majority.
Jacqueline Fernandez on Padmavati'
Jacqueline Fernandez denounced the violent attacks against Padmavati. "I just think that film is a form of art and everyone has the freedom of speech. Everyone has the freedom to make what they want to make, if people do not like or have issue with, then they don't need to watch it. I just feel that violence is a complete no. It's a very wrong thing to do. There are better ways to solve issues," she told a leading news agency.
Salman Khan on Padmavati'
Salman Khan, who has worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in films like Khamoshi: The Musical' and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', was quoted by a news agency saying, "I want to say that you have Censor Board, they will take a decision. Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) makes very beautiful and excellent films." He added, "His films never have any vulgarity. Looking at his previous track record, one should know that he will never portray any character in bad light."
Neil Nitin Mukesh on Padmavati'
Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh has come out in support of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati'. Speaking to a leading daily, he said, "It (film) is a fiction and the audience is intelligent enough to judge the movie. The entire film crew works hard to showcase their art, and the director has the right to present his perception and creativity before the audience. There should be freedom of speech and creativity. As an artist, I would like that no other artist suffers losses.
Karan Johar on Padmavati'
The filmmaker said he really respects Bhansali's idea and the fact that his "beautiful film" is dragged into controversies makes him feel bad. "I have faced a lot of controversies before the release of a film. I feel bad for a filmmaker, who is one of the best in the country. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has made a beautiful film and I hope he is protected by the people who understand that creativity is a form of expression," KJo told a leading news channel.
Sharmila Tagore on Padmavati'
After the first song Ghoomar' released, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore told a news agency that such controversies harm the film's performance at the box office."Whatever is happening in the case of Padmavati', I don't think it is going to help the film. When you hassle Bhansali and vandalise the film's sets, the cost of the movie goes up. Even that rangoli was destroyed, how can all this help? If the film gets delayed, the first three days of the business is affected. It affects the economics of the film. The first weekend is very important for the film. Audience is already feeling scared. Most of them feel 'let the first two days go by peacefully, then we'll go'. They (the group) are already issuing threats that they'll burn the theatres if the makers don't take their permission. All this causes serious harm to the film fraternity as well."
Prakash Raj on Padmavati'
The multilingual actor, who was last seen in 'Golmaal Again', has expressed his concern and questioned his fans 'Who is responsible for creating such atmosphere.' He said, "To whomsoever it may concern...On the pretext on ones own speculations, you are free to attack a film set and slap a filmmaker..burn down the sets..form your own committee to censor the film..threaten the release and stop it..what do you call such intentions..who is responsible for creating such atmosphere. #justasking. In the tweet he also added, "Isn't to threaten,to silence is going back to Stone Age...but to question,to debate is a vibrant society for the future... #justasking
Arjun Kapoor on Padmavati'
After filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali released a video clarifying that there are no objectionable scenes in the film, Arjun shared it on Twitter and wrote, "Yet again a man has to justify creativity because politics & propaganda creates an ugly environment. He's a fantastic filmmaker his vision must be trusted. I'm sure Rani Padmavati her story will be depicted with respect by him @RanveerOfficial @deepikapadukone @shahidkapoor."
Prakash Jha on Padmavati'
Despite the country being a democracy, people are still are unable to express their views in the open. Jha said objections raised by the groups for allegedly deviating from the facts were a part and parcel of the game. "There is no harm in people speaking up. It has always been the case. You may not like so many things of mine but you don't want me to go or eliminate me. But it is not a new phenomenon. It always happens. In this country, no matter which party is in power, if you try making a film which they think may go against the government, you may face problems."
Arshad Warsi on Padmavati'
Arshad Warsi also showed solidarity with Padmavati' and was quoted by a leading agency as saying at an event, "I think in our country, people have a lot of free time and that is the problem. People might have their own perspective and reasons (to protest, but somewhere they should think that 'Padmavati' is not a reality. It's a myth and fictionalised story of a writer, so it has no truth to it. I feel people should look at the film only as an art form then it will be better."
by Pratibha Devasenapathy
by Pratibha Devasenapathy
3