Deepika Padukone speaks to TIME magazine, opens up on political backlash against her in India
There have been a number of political controversies around Deepika Padukone.
Deepika Padukone has been featured on the cover of TIME magazine as the latest global star. In her interview, she has talked about her political controversies and her journey as an actress.
Padukone is credited with bringing the world to Bollywood with her work, and in 2018, she was named among the 100 people honoured by TIME magazine on their 100 Most Influential list. On the cover of TIME magazine, she is seen wearing an oversized beige suit and no shoes.
The Indian actress spoke about the constant political backlash she has faced in her career. She said, “I don’t know if I’m supposed to feel something about it. But the truth is, I don’t feel anything about it.”
Political controversies around Deepika Padukone
Deepika’s film Padmaavat saw protests from Karni Sena, and her visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University to express solidarity with students who were attacked by a mob caused an uproar.
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Her bankability as a star has also faced fierce opposition, particularly after the conservative Hindu-nationalist turn in Indian politics in the past decade. This was first seen in 2016 when she starred in Padmaavat, a period drama about a Hindu queen who becomes the object of infatuation of the Muslim Sultan of Delhi.
Hindu vigilantes set the film set on fire after rumours of a love scene between the two characters spread. An official from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) even offered a bounty of $1.5 million for Padukone’s beheading, leading to an uproar from spectators.
In 2020, Padukone was seen silently standing at a student protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, initiated by the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Deepika’s presence at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University was a rare incident as Bollywood stars do not usually become a part of any political protest.
Also Read: How Pathaan scripted history without a roar
In January, there was a controversy over the “saffron” bikini Padukone wore in a musical sequence in the film Pathaan. A BJP minister objected to the orange-coloured bikini, which is considered a sacred colour in Hinduism and has been adopted as a symbol for Hindu nationalists.
However, Padukone remained silent about these controversies, and it did not deter her from taking up any roles, including the role of a Pakistani spy in Pathaan.
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Business NewsNewsIndiaDeepika Padukone speaks to TIME magazine, opens up on political backlash against her in India
First Published:11 May 2023, 10:12 AM IST
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