Swara Bhaskar’s ‘chhii-chhii’ remark over ‘Padmavat’ Jauhar scene triggers backlash
She said that after watching the film, she felt as if a victim of sexual violence had no other option but to end her life.
Swara said that seeing approximately 800 women committing Jauhar in the film raised many questions in her mind. She said, “God forbid I were a rape victim.” The actress questioned whether a woman would be considered a coward if she chose to live on instead of ending her life?
She had said that at a time when rape is a serious problem in society, the message that rape is the end of a woman’s life should not be conveyed. Referring to a scene in the film, Swara said that after watching it, she started saying “chhii-chhii” in front of the audience.
The scene to which the actress objected showed a close-up of a pregnant woman’s stomach. Swara questioned whether, if the fetus is likely to be a girl, should her birth be considered wrong due to fear of potential sexual violence?
Swara’s statements were controversial even at the time, and now her old video is once again making the rounds on social media. Some are criticizing her statement as an insult to Indian traditions, while Swara’s supporters say that through the film, she expressed her views on social issues related to women’s lives and sexual violence.
