Peddi controversy or South-Bollywood clash? Is the issue surrounding Janhvi Kapoor revealing the truth of the industry? Why are actresses raising questions on the system? Are the allegations against objectification of female characters true? Will the statements of Anu Aggarwal, Nithya Menen and Dimple Hayati bring a big change in the industry? Who is really responsible—the actor or the system?
The controversy that started over Janhvi Kapoor’s entry and romantic scenes in Ram Charan’s recently released film ‘Peddi’ is not stopping. Even though the film’s director Buchi Babu Sana has apologized for these scenes and got them trimmed, he is still facing criticism in the film industry. Janhvi Kapoor is getting open support in the whole matter and anger is rising against the filmmakers. From South Cinema to Bollywood, actresses are openly exposing the Indian film industry and telling how there is a competition to show the bodies of heroines by using them as objects. Take a look at the statements of four such actresses…
Anu Aggarwal said- Along with the audience, filmmakers, artists are also responsible
Anu Aggarwal, who was seen in films like Aashiqui, shared a glimpse of her shoot for a magazine on social media on Sunday and wrote, “I am a complete misfit in this industry. The decisions that made me a misfit then, give me a reason to be comfortable with myself today.” Reacting to the Janhvi Kapoor controversy, Anu Aggarwal wrote, “The recent discussions regarding ‘Peddi’ reminded me of an old decision of mine. I appreciate today’s audience coming forward and demanding more respect in the portrayal of women. But the responsibility is not only on the audience and not only on the filmmakers. It is also the responsibility of us artists.”
Also read: Shocking: The controversial scenes of ‘Peddi’ were shot without Janhvi Kapoor’s consent? Leaked chat made a big revelation!
Anu Aggarwal further wrote, “After ‘Aashiqui’, more than 30 years ago, I made it a must to listen to the story before signing a film. At that time, objectification of women was common. I decided to work against that trend. The films I have worked in bear testimony to my decision. In many ways, this is the reason why I eventually stayed away from films. Today, I tell young artistes to listen to the story first, ask questions, and if anything, Have the courage to refuse to do what is against human dignity. Stories will change when audiences demand better, but they will also change when artists refuse to be a part of things they don’t believe in.”
Also read: Why did the makers have to take this decision on Janhvi Kapoor’s uproarious scene in ‘Peddi’?
Artists should set limits for themselves: Nithya Menen
South Indian actress Nithya Menen, who has done Bollywood films like ‘Mission Mangal’ with Akshay Kumar and Telugu film ‘Geeta Govindam’ with Vijay Deverakonda, says that she has not seen ‘Peddi’ yet, but she agrees with the ongoing debate regarding Janhvi Kapoor controversy. Speaking to Variety, he said, “I think that artistes should set better boundaries for themselves. The artiste who is performing a scene should have enough rights to express his views and clearly say that he is not comfortable with any kind of objectification.”
Dimple Hayati raised system questions
South Indian actress Dimple Hayati, who has worked in Hindi films like ‘Atrangi Re’, wrote on social media on Sunday, “Today I feel very happy to see that today we all are openly discussing how the characters of actresses are written in films. Usually the first reaction is that the actress playing the given character is blamed, but this should not happen. The responsibility lies with those who believe that this is the case.” Content sells. Actors work within the opportunities they get, so that they can be a part of bigger projects and reach more audiences. If a character is not written properly, the responsibility lies with the writing and filmmaking decisions, and not with the female artist playing it.”
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Dimple further writes, “Unfortunately, we are often boxed in and see the characters from that perspective, whereas in male-centric stories, we get the freedom to show the characters more openly. In reality, we only see and believe what is shown to us. Filmmaking is not under the control of any one person, but we can all agree that we deserve better stories and better cinematic experiences.”
Also read: Janhvi Kapoor’s scenes in ‘Peddi’ created a ruckus! Now the director gave this clarification
When Dimple Hayati was trolled for her statement, she gave a befitting reply and wrote on X, “I believe that a woman raising her voice should not be a big news or headline, but a common thing.” He further wrote, “Guys, calm down and focus on your life… I have my own life; my opinions or my experiences do not necessarily match yours or I answer to every single one of you. Live your life.”
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Ashika Ranganath blames the industry’s system
South Indian actress Ashika Ranganath clarified on her Instagram story that women artists should not be blamed but should question the system and filmmakers who consider such content successful. He said that actors often work within the opportunities that they get, so that they can be a part of bigger projects and reach a wider audience. If female characters are weak or incompletely written, the responsibility lies with the writing and filmmaking decisions, not the actresses who play those roles.