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Sanjay Leela Bhansali finally replies to Swara Bhaskar’s open letter on Padmaavat

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Much has been debated about the female lead in Padmaavat committing Jauhar at the end. Actress Swara Bhaskar sparked the issue with an open letter where she slammed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for glorifying Jauhar or Sati.

Bhansali has finally replied to Bhaskar’s letter, explaining that the climax of the film as an act of war, which was carried out by Rajput women.

The director has been on the receiving end from several film critics who didn’t like the ‘glorification of Jauhar’ in Padmaavat. He broke his silence finally and put his stance on the matter.

During an interview to Mid-Day, Bhansali said that Rani Padmavati decided to turn the tables at Alauddin Khilji by committing Jauhar.

“Jauhar, in this context, is an act of war. Our men have died on the battlefield, but the war doesn’t end there. They believe that the Rajputs have been vanquished. But, the women wage the [final] war,” Bhansali said.

Film Padmaavat is the story of Rajput queen Rani Padmavati who committed Jauhar, an act of self-immolation with thousands of women upon learning that Sultan Alauddin Khilji and his men will seize the palace. Many critics, viewers and celebrities including Swara Bhaskar slammed the filmmaker for the portrayal of Jauhar in the film.

In an open letter penned down by Swara Bhaskar, accused Sanjay Leela Bhansali of ‘reducing women to talking vaginas’ in his magnum opus. She argues in the letter that women have a right to live even if they are raped.

However, many viewers didn’t agree with Swara Bhaskar’s opinion. Sanjay Leela Bhansali implied that it was Padmavati’s decision to make.

“They decide that not a single woman or child would be subjugated to rape or violation. That’s what happened then. So, are people questioning Padmavati’s decision? ” he said.

“This film is based on a story in which the character performs Jauhar. The character doing so was convinced that it was an act of war. I feel it’s an empowering thought. She didn’t allow the enemy to win. It was a victory for dignity and honour. This is what transpired, and I can’t question her. In those days, when there was no solution, harakiri [method of suicide] was prevalent. I can’t question it. It is like asking why the Taj Mahal was made when the money spent in doing so could have been used for charity. Some will stand for it, some against it,” he said.

The filmmaker also asserted that though it was fair to debate art, one must not impose their opinions on him.

“And that is okay because any work of art should be debated. But don’t oppose my authority to make what I want to, or to narrate it in a particular way. No one is compelled to agree with everything that I have said. As long as we agree to disagree, and the work is thought-provoking, it’s wonderful,” he added.

Despite the ongoing debate and the protest, film Padmaavat is faring phenomenally well at the box office. Within a week, the Deepika Padukone-starrer has crossed the 200-crore mark worldwide. Also, it became the highest opening Hindi film in North America.

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