Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film, Padmavati has been in the eye of storm and its fate still hangs in the balance. Bollywood openly condemned death threats against the lead actress, Deepika Padukone and Bhansali but did not really come forward in huge numbers to raise a havoc or protest against the near savage behaviour by fringe elements. Reports indicate that Shabana Azmi has been consistently vocal against these groups protesting against the film.
She even launched a scathing verbal attack against the government. She even planned to raise the matter with the power holders in Delhi by signing a ‘Deepika Bachao’ petition comprising signatures from leading Bollywood actresses seeking Deepika's safety. The actors who signed it included Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vidya Balan, Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra, Parineeti Chopra, Sonakshi Sinha and many others.
Kangana Ranaut allegedly had refused to sign the petition citing the lack of support that she was met with for her row with Hrithik Roshan. A source had earlier told The Quint that she refused ‘pointblank’.
The actress has finally opened up about her refusal, and attributes it to Shabana's 'left wing versus right wing politics.' She also suggests that the veteran actress ‘character assassinated’ her and was hence circumspect about signing the petition.
“I was filming Manikarnika in Jodhpur when I got a call from dear friend Anushka Sharma to sign the petition written by Ms Shabana Azmi. I explained to her that Deepika Padukone has all my support but I am a bit wary of Shabana Azmi’s investment in left wing Vs right wing politics. I have my own set of ideas and opinions about the current situation in our country. I am on the fence about many things and being a part of a feminist movement called ‘Deepika bachao’ led by someone who character assassinated me when I was bullied by influential men, seems to be one of them. Anushka understood but I am glad they reached out to me, like I said Deepika has all my support. I am an individual perfectly capable of supporting who I like without anyone’s support.”National Award winning actor, Kangana Ranaut.
Shabana Azmi had earlier tweeted Hrithik’s interview with Arnab Goswami and her step-son Farhan Akhtar had penned an open letter in his support.
Source: The Deccan Chronicle
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