Film focuses on acid attack victims
The much-anticipated movie ‘Chhapaak’, starring Deepika Padukone, will release on Friday. The drama is based on the life of Laxmi Agarwal, an acid attack survivor, and marks Padukone’s first production venture. The POST looks at the movie on the heels of Padukone’s 34th birthday on Sunday
BOLLYWOOD star Deepika Padukone celebrated her 34th birthday on Sunday, at Sheroes’ Hangout café in Lucknow, India.
The café is run by acid attack survivors.
Padukone plays an acid attack victim in her upcoming film Chhapaak that will release on Friday.
The film, directed by Meghna Gulzar, is said to be close to Padukone’s heart.
Two acid attack survivors from Lucknow feature in the movie.
Padukone arrived at the café with her husband, actor Ranveer Singh.
The acid attack survivors reportedly shared their stories and took selfies with the star.
Chhapaak, which is based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, also stars Vikrant Massey.
It is co-produced by Padukone.
Risky project
Earlier this year, during the promotions for the film, Padukone publicly defended the movie amid talk that it was a risk for her career.
“People are saying that we’ve taken a big risk, but I don’t think of this (film) as a risk.
“It’s something that she (the film’s director, Meghna Gulzar) has lived with for so many years.
“As a human being and a director, she was ready to tell the story.
“She came to me with it and I instantly said yes to the film, so there hasn’t been over-thinking or overprocessing.
“I think whatever we’ve done to make this film was done very instantly and instinctively, and with a lot of heart.
“We want people to receive this film the way we have made it,” said Padukone.
A dream realised – only through film Laxmi Agarwal, the acid attack survivor whose life inspired Gulzar’s Chhapaak, said her dream was to become a singer and participate in the reality TV show Indian Idol.
“I had left my home to participate in Indian Idol because it was my dream to come and sing on this stage, but this unfortunate event (the acid attack) delayed my dream.
“Even today, my dream is alive, and today, because of this movie and the love of all my well-wishers, I am on this stage of Indian Idol,” she said.
Chhapaak marks her entry into film production.
Agarwal said: “The entire journey was special.
“I don’t think I can speak of a particular moment or scene as the closest to my heart.
“I think the entire journey and process has been extremely rewarding.
“It’s the film I am most proud of, among all that I have done in my career.
“I’m not thinking much about people’s reactions after its release, because that is a different aspect, but this film is something I am proud of, and I am proud that the entire team had faith in Meghna’s (Gulzar) vision.”
She continued: “I met Meghna (Gulzar) ma’am in 2016 and she told me ‘we want to work on this cause’ (a film on an acid attack survivor).
“If you note, before 2013, no one knew about acid attack violence, but when a few survivors came out and started sharing their stories, everyone listened.
“Today, a film has been made on this subject. I feel this film creates awareness about the issue in society. I am thankful to Deepika (Padukone) for playing Laxmi.
“I am really happy because the makers of this film have shown that external beauty is not important, and it was really important to create awareness about this cause.
“I feel there is acid in the mind of people and this film will help remove that acid from their minds.
“So, I’m happy that we are portraying victimised people as fighters, and taking this cause ahead.
“I urge everyone to watch the film because when you watch it, you will realise what kind of problems people go through under such circumstances.”
Enlightening others Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey plays a pivotal role in the film.
“I just hope that with this film a conversation starts on why acid attacks happen on women, and what actions need to be taken to stop the heinous crime.
“It’s not that we don’t know, it’s just that we ignore.
“Seldom has it happened that we look beyond appearance when it comes to a love story.
“In our cinema, we always prioritise vanity and the beauty of the girl.
“Here is a love story where the boy and the girl fall in love because of the individuals they are.
“This part of the narrative is very special.” | IANS