Meghna Gulzar opens up on Deepika Padukone's JNU visit; says 'it affected Chhapaak'

Director Meghna Gulzar's film 'Chhapaak' was embroiled in controversy after Deepika Padukone's JNU visit during the CAA-NRC protests.

Now, the filmmaker has addressed the controversy and admitted that Deepika's JNU visit 3 days prior to 'Chhapaak's release 'made a dent' on her film.

Speaking with The Indian Express, Meghna said the conversation shifted from acid violence to somewhere else, impacting the film.

Meghna Gulzar shared, ‘I am sure that the answer is pretty obvious. Yes, of course, it made a dent on the film. Because the conversation went from acid violence, which I intended the film to amplify, to somewhere else. So, of course it impacted the film. There is no denying that.’

‘Chhapaak’ narrates the real-life journey of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal through Malti's character (played by Deepika). The film delves into her fight for justice post an acid attack perpetrated by a man due to her rejection of his proposal.

In 2020, Deepika Padukone surprised many by visiting JNU, where student leaders were addressing a gathering to condemn an attack on the university's students by masked individuals. She stood in solidarity with the students at the Sabarmati T-point during a public meeting called by JNU alumni. Although she didn't speak at the meeting, she stayed for about an hour before leaving.

Meghna Gulzar’s work front

The director is looking forward to her next film ‘Sam Bahadur’.

It explores the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, emphasising his sacrifices for the nation.

The film pays a heartfelt tribute to his unwavering bravery and sharp wit. For the unversed, Sam Manekshawan’s career in the army spanned over four decades and five wars. He was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal and his military victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war led to the creation of Bangladesh.

About Sam Bahadur

‘Sam Bahadur’ also stars Neeraj Kabi, Edward Sonnenblick (as Lord Mountbatten), Richard Bhakti Klein (as Ambassador Keating), Saqib Ayub (Captain Attiqur Rahman) and Krishna Kant Singh Bundela (as Subedar Gurbaksh Singh) in key roles. It is set to hit theatres on December 1.

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