Veteran actor Jaya Bachchan has spoken out against the objectification of women in cinema, joining the ongoing debate surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s character in the film 'Peddi'. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Bachchan reflected on an incident from her own career when she resisted a filmmaker’s attempt to portray her in a more sexualized manner.
Bachchan's Stand Against Objectification
Her comments come at a time when 'Peddi' is facing backlash over the depiction of Janhvi’s character, Achiyamma, opposite Ram Charan. The controversy has prompted reactions from several members of the film fraternity, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, while director Buchi Babu Sana has already issued an apology and promised to remove the scenes that drew criticism.
Known for frequently addressing concerns related to the entertainment industry in Parliament, Bachchan stressed that such issues should be challenged immediately on set. Recalling her experience, she said she took a firm stand when confronted with a similar situation and never faced it again. “Nobody ever dared to cross the line with me,” she said, adding, “I had only one unpleasant experience of being objectified by the director. I never worked with him again.”
The 'Shor' Incident
As per the report, Bachchan was referring to an episode during the making of Manoj Kumar’s 'Shor', where she played a streetwalker. The filmmaker reportedly wanted her character to be dressed in a ghagra-choli throughout the film. However, Bachchan insisted on pairing the outfit with a dupatta that covered her upper body, leading to a disagreement between the two.
Kareena Kapoor Khan Weighs In
Joining the conversation, Kareena Kapoor Khan argued that sensuality on screen does not require revealing costumes. Pointing to iconic performances from the past, she cited examples of actresses who captivated audiences without excessive skin show.
“Look at Kajol in that song, Suraj Hua Maddham in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, or Srideviji in the song Tere Mere Honthon Pe in Chandni they blew the screen apart without any skin show. My mother-in-law (Sharmila Tagore) in that song in Aradhana, Roop Tere Mastana, was covered from head to toe. She was the epitome of sensuality. I believe being sensual on screen has nothing to do with wearing revealing clothes or being objectified,” she said.
Backlash Against 'Peddi'
The criticism surrounding 'Peddi' gained momentum after social media users called out what they described as the problematic portrayal of Janhvi’s character. Viewers pointed to multiple scenes in which the camera repeatedly focuses on her navel, cleavage, and waist. One sequence that sparked widespread discussion features Ram Charan’s character kissing her without consent and later defending the act as the only way he knows to express love.
The film has since drawn objections from several industry voices over the treatment of its female lead. Responding to the growing backlash, Buchi Babu Sana released a statement on Saturday apologizing for the scenes in question and confirming that they would be removed from the film. He also said he would be more mindful of such concerns in the future.
Industry Reactions and Future Implications
The controversy highlights a broader issue within the Indian film industry regarding the portrayal of women. Bachchan's and Kareena's statements underscore a growing demand for respectful and non-objectifying representation. As the debate continues, many hope that this incident will lead to more thoughtful and responsible filmmaking practices.
