Swara Bhasker Faces Backlash Over Padmaavat Remarks
Actress restricts comments on Janmashtami post, called 'Shurpanakha' by Bhakti Swami

Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker has been facing backlash over her recent remarks about the Jauhar scene in the movie Padmaavat. On September 4, she shared a 'Happy Janmashtami' post on social media, but restricted the comments on the post.
The controversy began when Swara questioned the depiction of around 800 women performing Jauhar in the movie, stating that it conveyed a wrong message to rape survivors. She said that if she were a rape survivor, the film would make her feel like a coward for not killing herself to save her honour.
Bhakti Swami, the Swami of Khirsara Swaminarayan Temple and religious head of the VHP Janmashtami Festival Committee, strongly criticised Swara during a VHP Janmashtami religious gathering in Rajkot. He publicly referred to her as 'Shurpanakha', a demon from Hindu mythology.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad Central Minister Shankar Bhau also criticised Swara, calling her a 'stain' on women's power in the country. He said that her remarks were an insult to the sacrifice of Kshatriya women who committed Jauhar to protect their honour.
Swara later clarified that she was not calling Rani Padmavati or the women who performed Jauhar 'cowards', claiming that her remarks had been wrongly translated and circulated. However, the damage had already been done, and she continues to face backlash from various quarters.
The Padmaavat writer has also reacted to Swara's remarks, stating that the film depicted the reality of those times. The controversy has sparked a debate about the portrayal of women in Indian cinema and the impact it has on society.
The incident has once again highlighted the sensitivity of religious and social issues in India, and the need for celebrities to be mindful of their words and actions.
In the midst of the controversy, Swara's decision to restrict comments on her Janmashtami post has been seen as an attempt to avoid further backlash. However, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.
The controversy surrounding Swara's remarks on Padmaavat has sparked a wider debate about the portrayal of women in Indian cinema and the impact it has on society. It has also raised questions about the responsibility of celebrities to be mindful of their words and actions, and the need for sensitivity and respect towards different cultures and communities.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Swara Bhasker's remarks on Padmaavat is a complex issue that involves sensitive social and religious themes. While Swara has clarified her remarks, the backlash continues, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.
Frequently asked questions
What did Swara Bhasker say about the Jauhar scene in Padmaavat?
She questioned the depiction of around 800 women performing Jauhar, stating that it conveyed a wrong message to rape survivors.
Who criticised Swara Bhasker for her remarks?
Bhakti Swami and Vishwa Hindu Parishad Central Minister Shankar Bhau criticised her for her remarks.