Several spiritual leaders have criticised actress Swara Bhasker over her comments on the portrayal of Jauhar in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Padmaavat’, accusing her of questioning the sacrifice, courage and dignity associated with women who performed Jauhar.
Speaking to IANS, Sitaram Das Ji Maharaj, Mahant of Saket Bhawan Temple, said questioning the sacrifice and dedication of women associated with the tradition was “highly condemnable”.
“Swara Bhasker herself is a woman. Questioning the penance, dedication and sacrifice of those brave women is highly condemnable,” he said.
He further argued that questioning the bravery of such women was disrespectful and said the country had a tradition of women known for valour, devotion and sacrifice.
Mahamandaleshwar Yatindranand Giri of the Juna Akhara said people form opinions according to their individual perspectives and maintained that Bollywood personalities should not automatically be regarded as social icons or role models.
“People think according to their nature, and those associated with Bollywood should not be considered social icons or role models,” he said, describing cinema and entertainment as an evolving form of a tradition that has existed through theatrical performances, television and films.
Arya Sant Varun Das Ji Maharaj also criticised Bhasker, saying those who did not understand the dignity of women and values associated with Indian womanhood could not fully understand the concept of Jauhar.
“People who do not understand the dignity of women or the values of Indian womanhood cannot understand Jauhar. They cannot comprehend the sacrifices made by our brave women who fought with swords,” he said.
Mahant Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj, successor to Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, also criticised the actress, referring to her film roles and the language used in some of them while questioning her ideological position.
Katha Vachak Aniruddhacharya said women such as Padmavati had traditionally been viewed as symbols of purity and sacrifice.
“Women like Padmavati are pure women. They are called Sati. They sacrificed their lives to protect their honour,” he said, adding that such stories should be understood in the context of the importance traditionally attached to character and honour.
Mahant Raju Das Ji Maharaj described Jauhar as a representation of cultural tradition, women’s dignity and sacrifice. He said it reflected the self-sacrifice associated with women who, in religious symbolism, are represented through figures such as Durga, Lakshmi and Kali.
He also said repeated derogatory remarks against Sanatan Dharma would not be tolerated.
The controversy follows Bhasker’s remarks about Deepika Padukone’s Jauhar sequence in ‘Padmaavat’. The actress had questioned the message conveyed by the portrayal, particularly in relation to women who survive sexual violence.
Bhasker recently recalled writing a letter to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali after the release of ‘Padmaavat’. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, she discussed her concerns about the film’s depiction of Jauhar and questioned whether such a portrayal could make rape survivors feel that they had failed to protect their honour by choosing to live.
She also questioned whether rape should be portrayed as something that brings an end to a woman’s life.