India, Sept. 1 -- Swara Bhasker's fresh comments on the Jauhar sequence in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat have reignited a debate over the film's depiction of honour, self-immolation and the historical treatment of women. Speaking at the Woman Life Freedom talk at the India International Centre in Delhi on August 31, Bhasker questioned the message conveyed by the climactic sequence.
Swara Bhasker Questions Jauhar Depiction
Bhasker recalled watching the sequence and said she was concerned about how a rape survivor might interpret its portrayal of Jauhar. She argued that presenting suicide as a means of preserving honour could send a damaging message to women who survive sexual violence.
She also criticised a shot showing a pregnant wom...