Recently Swara Bhasker had written an open letter where she had questioned Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the act of jauhar and sati in his film ‘Padmaavat’ and yesterday the writers of ‘Ram-Leela’ film had also written an open letter as well. When Bollywood celebrities were asked for their opinion for the same they stated that she is entitled to her own opinion. Ayushmann Khurrana, Imtiaz Ali, Rohit Shetty and Divya Dutta spoke about the open letter.
Ayushmann Khurrana said, “A movie does two jobs: either it gives something to the society or it takes from it. Every director has his or her own perspective. The intention of every piece of art is to cause a debate, a discussion, there are critics also who discuss and then the audience also gives its opinion. So, everyone has their own opinion. Art is always subjective, never objective.”
When asked Rohit Shetty that the audience has the right to reject the film or accept it, and refused to talk about the open letter, “The film has released, now, please let it run peacefully. I will request the media that after a lot of difficulties, ‘Padmaavat’ has released. So, please let it breathe. I will say something, then someone else will say something else, that way we will get this film, our film in some or the other trouble.”
The filmmaker further added, “It is doing a great business. The whole team has gone through a lot- Bhansali, Deepika, Ranveer, the whole Viacom18 team- they have endured a lot, so, let it remain with the audience now. What’s the use if we start talking about what he said or she said? I will not say anything. Let the film breathe now, for God’s sake.”
Imtiaz Ali said, “Any kind of obstacle that comes in a film does not feel good. There’s nothing in 'Padmaavat', which should cause any kind of protest but then everyone has their own opinion.”
Actress Divya Dutta quipped, “The film has been told like a story. Everyone has their own viewpoint. Swara kept hers, I respect that. She felt something... That visual (jauhar scene) is very strong when it comes across. But the film is set in another century, whose mindset was different. So, my viewpoint is different. I enjoyed it (the film) very much. I respect her opinion but I take the film for what it is, absolutely.”
Suchitra Krishnamoorthi said, “Aren’t these feminist debates on ‘Padmaavat’ rather dumb? It’s a story ladies - not an advocacy of Jauhar for god’s sake. Find another battle for your cause- a real one at all. Not historical fiction.”
