Swara Bhasker Clarifies Remarks on ‘Padmaavat’ Jauhar Scene Amid Backlash

Actress Swara Bhasker has addressed the recent online backlash surrounding her critique of the Jauhar (mass self-immolation) sequence in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2018 film Padmaavat. In a video clarification, the actor stated that her comments were misinterpreted, rejecting allegations that she insulted historical figures or questioned the bravery of women who practised Jauhar. Bhasker reiterated that her criticism focused on the cinematic glorification of the practice, rather than the choices of real women in historical contexts. Swara Bhasker Calls ‘Padmaavat’ Jauhar Scene ‘Cowardly’; Netizens Lash Out at Actress.

Swara Bhasker Reacts to Backlash Over ‘Padmaavat’ Remark

Addressing the criticism directly in a video statement, Bhasker claimed that her views had been twisted to create a false narrative. She noted that public discourse had derailed from her intended point, which focused on the modern implications of how sexual violence and historical trauma are framed on screen.

In the video, Bhasker clarified her position, saying, "I want to say clearly that I never said that Rani Padmavati was a coward or the other women, the queens of the palace and the women who did johar were cowards. What did I say? I said it in English. I will translate it myself and tell you. Because when you don't understand the language, you should ask or check it. You shouldn't spread it as a lie."

Reiterating that her comments focused on how the film’s depiction affected her as a viewer regarding modern attitudes toward honour and survival, she added:

"Those who want to abuse me, do it but on the right thing. What did I say? I said while watching the climax, I felt that God forbid if I had been a rape victim, I would have felt like a coward that I did not kill myself. That is, I would have felt that I was a coward if I survived the rape."

Swara Bhasker Reacts to  ‘Padmaavat’ Jauhar Scene Remark Backlash

मेरा एक वीडियो क्लिप वायरल है- जिसे ग़लत रूप से झूठे ढंग से अनुवादित किया जा रहा है! मैंने कतई नहीं कहा कि रानी पद्मावती या कोई भी सती कायर थी । शर्मनाक है कि @ndtvindia और अन्य मीडिया चैनल और लोग बार बार झूठा इल्ज़ाम लगाकर लोगों को उत्तेजित कर रहे हैं ।

गाली देनी है तो दो- पर… pic.twitter.com/TR8sy5gRCr

— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) September 1, 2026

The Controversy and Ongoing Debate

The current dispute traces back to an open letter Bhasker published shortly after the release of Padmaavat in 2018, in which she expressed discomfort with the climax of the film. In that piece, she argued that the visual presentation reduced a woman’s worth entirely to her chastity, leaving her feeling "reduced to a vagina" by the end of the screening.

The topic resurfaced after Bhasker revisited her critique during a recent interview, prompting renewed backlash across social media platforms. Critics accused her of ignoring the historical constraints faced by Rajput women during wartime sieges. Swara Bhasker Body Shaming Response: Actress Hits Back at Trolls Over Post-Pregnancy Weight Gain.

Bhasker concluded her clarification by urging commentators to engage with the full context of her arguments rather than relying on truncated quotes, emphasising that the focus should remain on advocating for the dignity and autonomy of women in contemporary society.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2026 10:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).