Swara Bhaskar: There's nothing to be 'UPSET' about what I said...

After a lot of controversies by Karni Sena, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus starring Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone - "Padmaavat" finally hit the screens on January 25, 2018 and since a week now, the film has been receiving great reviews from the fans, critics and Bollywood townies that it is already expected to earn 200 crores worldwide.

But, it all started again, when recently, Swara Bhaskar wrote an open letter - "Yes, women have vaginas, but they have more to them as well. So their whole life need not be focused on the vagina and controlling it, protecting it, maintaining its purity. (Maybe in the 13th century that was the case, but in the 21st century, we do not need to subscribe to these limiting ideas. We certainly do not need to glorify them.)."

The letter went viral and many B-Towners slammed her for having such thoughts. Yesterday, at an event, she was asked about the open letter. To this, Swara said, "Everyone has the right to critique and express their opinion. Like me, others also have the right to express their thoughts. I made a point. I said what I felt. I think I kept my point across in a very polite and respectful manner. I didn't have any bad intention or malice in my heart. I just had questions in my mind and I think they are quite valid. So, I asked them. If people don't agree with me, it's totally fine. It's a democracy, so, it's good if people think there can be a difference of opinion. Debates and discussion should happen. This is the purpose of art. So, it's fine. I don't know why you all are so excited about this."

She elaborated, "I didn't think it would cause a row and I never thought people, who are not even connected with the film, will get upset. I also didn't know that this special word which starts with 'V' would cause a controversy. I mean frankly, I said something, others reacted. There's nothing to be upset about, especially those who have nothing to do with the film, need not be upset."

"I haven't spoken to him (Bhansali) about this. The letter I wrote was in the format of an open letter. I wrote it through a publication. Because this film has become a national talking point, it has become a part of the national conversation. And I want to remind you all who are having fun on its expense that I was among those voices, who constantly supported Padmaavat. We have spoken about this before. I have constantly spoken against Karni Sena. I have spoken for the right of Viacom, Sanjay sir and the whole team of Padmaavat. It's not only their right but every artiste's that whichever story he or she wants to tell, they should be able to do that in a protective environment." added the actor.

Swara continued, "I have time and again condemned the violence that the team of Padmaavat had to face. So, obviously, I don't have any bad intent. Once a film releases, it is there for public consumption, and because this movie is so important, it has raised so many other issues in our society. I wanted my questions to be a part of that national conversation. So, just because of this, I published this letter on a public platform."

Writer duo Sidharth-Garima, who co-wrote Ram-Leela with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and have written a song for "Padmaavat", said that Swara is misusing the feminism card. On this, Swara said, "I disagree with what they have said. But I will say this with the respect that they have the right to say what they want to. There's no big deal about this."

What do you have to say about it?

CREDITS: INDIAN EXPRESS