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Swara Bhasker: “I am not a flippant person & I stand by everything I say”

Swara Bhasker has recently made headlines for her open letter on the film ‘Padmaavat’ (2017). She had written, “Yes, women have vaginas, but they have more to them as well, so their whole life need not be focused on the vagina and controlling it, protecting it, maintaining its purity. (Maybe in the 13th century that was the case, but in the 21st century, we do not need to subscribe to these limiting ideas. We certainly do not need to glorify them.).”

The letter went viral and many celebrities criticised her for having such views. Pinkvilla reports that during an interview with a leading daily, when Bhasker was asked about the criticism she was receiving on social media, she said, “Now I know I have more trolls than fans. But I am not a flippant person, and I stand by everything I say. Trolling is a different kind of bullying and I don’t want to give in. But yes, I am now more aware of the kind of hatred out there. I did not speak anything that’s disrespectful or vicious and so I am not really bothered.”

Previously expressing similar thoughts, she had said, “Everyone has the right to critique and express their opinion. Like me, others also have the right to express their thoughts. I made a point. I said what I felt. I think I kept my point across in a very polite and respectful manner. I didn’t have any bad intention or malice in my heart. I just had questions in my mind and I think they are quite valid. So, I asked them. If people don’t agree with me, it’s totally fine. It’s a democracy, so, it’s good if people think there can be a difference of opinion. Debates and discussion should happen. This is the purpose of art. So, it’s fine. I don’t know why you all are so excited about this.”

On the work front, Bhasker will be next seen in Rhea Kapoor’s ‘Veere Di Wedding’, starring Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and Shika Talsania. Talking about the film, Bhasker said, “I had the most fun with the team. Everyone involved, be it Sonam, Kareena, Shikha and even the producers Rhea and Ekta, everyone had a great time, without making anything glitched. All of us have seen different levels of stardom but that did not stop us from forming a sense of fraternity feeling and teamwork. It’s a myth that women cannot work together, and we broke it completely. Trust me, we did not even have one fight.”