Deepika Padukone on ‘Chhapaak’: “It will help people see beauty in a different light”

Deepika Padukone who is teaming up with Meghna Gulzar for her next ‘Chhapaak’, has said this film will show beauty from a different light.

Reported on Mid-day, ‘Chhapaak’ which is based on a true story of acid attack survivor, Laxmi Agarwal, will be a challenging role to play, with preparations already started. Drawing comparisons to her last film ‘Padmaavat’ (2018), where she played the character of the most beautiful queen and was wanted by the notorious Alauddin Khilji, no matter what; says ‘Chhapaak’ is the opposite where the man destroys her face, says it’s ironic. “It’s ironical really. Padmaavat was all about physical beauty, the traditional notion of beauty that has filtered down through generations. And now, I am a part of a film that will help people see beauty in a different light, redefine the notion in a way. Having dealt with a man who will destroy anyone and everyone who comes in his way to getting this beautiful woman in my last film, this will be another challenging role. It’s too early to go into details but both are important stories.”

Sharing some details of Agarwal and the battles she has faced, Padukone says, “Not every acid attack survivor is like Laxmi, who, despite physical pain, social shaming and ostracism, came out of the experience, stronger, even victorious. There are many who are yet to overcome the trauma. I will be meeting some of these girls in the coming weeks and be working closely with them. I believe everyone needs to take mental health seriously and I’ll have a dialogue with them and their families on this.”

Shooting for ‘Chhapaak’ is to commence on Monday 25th March and is slated to release later this year. Also starring in a lead role is Vikrant Massey as Alok Dixit.