New Delhi, Sep 03: Actress Swara Bhaskar has come under criticism after reiterating her views on the portrayal of ‘jauhar’ in the film Padmaavat, with leaders from different political backgrounds responding to her remarks and debating the historical context of the practice and its comparison with present-day issues faced by rape survivors.
Speaking at a recent event while revisiting the open letter she had written eight years ago to Padmaavat director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bhaskar said the depiction of thousands of women committing ‘jauhar’ to protect their “honour” could leave rape survivors of today appearing like “cowards” for choosing to live.
The remarks triggered sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP leader Shazia Ilmi described Bhaskar as “ignorant” and said she lacked an understanding of history and its context. Ilmi argued that the actress had drawn a comparison between a medieval historical practice and the experiences of present-day rape survivors. Referring to the historical circumstances surrounding ‘jauhar’, she said Rajput women chose the act to avoid captivity, torture, exploitation and mass rape, adding that it was viewed as a matter of honour in that period. She also cited the experience of Yazidi women who were used as sex slaves by the Islamic State group to underline her argument.
Uttar Pradesh Women Commission Chairperson Babita Singh Chauhan also criticised Bhaskar’s comments, stating that linking ‘jauhar’ with rape was inappropriate. Chauhan said she would not comment on whether the historical practice itself was right or wrong, but maintained that the decision rested with the queens of that period in the historical circumstances they faced.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar offered a different perspective, saying that while the practice had social acceptance in its own time, evolving public understanding and changing social outlook had led people to regard it as wrong today.
Rajasthan Finance Commission Chairman Arun Chaturvedi similarly said decisions taken by queens during that era should be viewed within their historical context and should not be judged by present-day standards, while noting that such practices are not supported today.
Maulana Sajid Rashidi also reacted to the controversy, questioning the historical message conveyed by the film. He argued that if someone dies out of fear of rape or murder, it conflicts with the image of Rajputs as warriors. Rashidi further said the film conveyed a message that rape survivors should have died rather than lived, describing such a message as hurtful and stating that films carrying such themes should not be permitted by the censor board.
