(The Quint’s Take: A woman’s 'honour' is not a public commodity, and the crime of rape doesn't lessen her. Practices like jauhar/sati are condemnable. The Quint supports actor Swara Bhasker’s view as expressed in her open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali – questioning the glorification of Jauhar in the film ‘Padmaavat’.
We at The Quint, have received several letters from our readers responding to Swara’s letter and expressing their views about the film. We are sharing these letters here without endorsing or supporting them. These letters are entirely readers’ opinions.)
Dear India,
I stand by a ‘right’ that is called the ‘Right to Opine’. Every person has an opinion and they have the full right to share it. But our opinions should at least be substantiated by facts and logic.
The recent controversy over Padmaavat is a perfect example of unsubstantiated and hollow opinion prevailing over logic.
Has anyone from the ‘so called’ fringe groups even seen the movie Padmaavat? I’m sure they haven’t. You have the right to state your opinion, but at least, first make sure you are well informed about it. It’s rightly said that half knowledge is more dangerous than no knowledge. If they would have staged protests after watching the movie and if the movie did hurt their sentiments then it’s understandable. But why jump to conclusions without watching it?
Despite the film being passed by the CBFC and a judgment issued by the Supreme Court, you still find the need to protest and cause such a ruckus. Let’s please trust their judgment. They are a responsible lot.
Rani Padmini, I’m sure was a great queen and you should at least feel proud that the director wanted the world to see how great she was and decided to make a movie on her. We should be happy about it that such a courageous woman and the sacrifices she made will be known to the world.
Please let’s be a little empathetic towards the filmmaker who carries the responsibility of the entire film. It’s his job to ensure that his film does not hurt anyone’s sentiments. If anything does go wrong, then he/she faces the repercussions.
On one side, you are fighting for the respect of a woman (queen Padmini) and on the other side you are ready to chop off another woman’s nose (Deepika Padukone). For what? It’s just a movie!
For once, I agree, that the song ‘Ghoomar’ was a problem, and I’m okay with you having an opinion that a queen needs to be dressed more honourably than depicted. At least, you felt sol after watching the song, and that’s precisely my point – form your opinion after you’ve watched the film.
I request the women who took out a rally in Chittorgarh to protest against the film, please ladies, it’s high time that we put our energy into something more fruitful. It’s nice to see women taking a stand but it would have been great if they took a stand for a rightful cause like domestic violence, child marriage, marital rape etc. Please show this outrage on much more serious issues. Movies are just for entertainment. Let’s keep it to that.
For all those who are supporting the fringe group, I must tell you, please think on your own. Just don’t follow the herd.
Please have an opinion, stand by it, but at least have it for an issue that is useful. We have millions of cases pending in the courts which actually needs attention, so please stop moving irrelevant pleas to court and waste the court’s time.
Please guys, have a life and let others live their life!
Love and Peace to all,
Kishni Trivedi
(Disclaimer: This is solely my opinion on the controversy and I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, only so far as they opine logically.)
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