‘Nobody Ever Dared To Cross the Line With Me’: Jaya Bachchan supports Janhvi Kapoor amid Peddi controversy, calls out objectification in cinema

This is the very first time a film is getting huge publicity not for its storyline, cast, acting but objectification of female lead Janhvi Kapoor. Ever since Peddi has been released, audiences have pointed out several scenes in which the camera repeatedly focuses on Janhvi Kapoor’s navel, waistline and cleavage.

One particular sequence drew widespread criticism, with viewers objecting to a scene in which Ram Charan’s character kisses Achiyamma without her consent and later attempts to justify the act as an expression of love.

As criticism mounted, director Buchi Babu Sana publicly apologised and announced that the controversial scenes would be removed from the film.

In a statement shared on social media, the filmmaker wrote, “As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. We have heard the feedback regarding certain scenes in Peddi and have taken it seriously.”

He further added, “I have always had immense respect for women, both on and off screen, and it was never our intention to objectify or disrespect any female character.”

However, despite the apology being issued two days ago, the controversial scenes reportedly remain part of the film’s theatrical version.

Many celebs have come out in support and have been slamming the makers for doing so.

Veteran actress and politician Jaya Bachchan has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding Peddi, criticising the objectification of women in cinema and stressing the importance of addressing such issues immediately on film sets.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Jaya Bachchan recalled a personal experience from her acting career when she felt a filmmaker attempted to objectify her on screen. She said she took a firm stand at the time and ensured the issue did not happen again.

“Nobody ever dared to cross the line with me,” she said, adding, “I had only one unpleasant experience of being objectified by a director. I never worked with him again.”

According to reports, Jaya was referring to an incident during the making of Shor. In the film, she played a streetwalker, and a disagreement reportedly arose when the director wanted her character to be dressed in a particular way throughout the movie. Bachchan insisted on covering her upper body with a dupatta, leading to a conflict between them.

The veteran actress, who has frequently spoken about issues affecting the entertainment industry in Parliament, said such matters should be confronted when they occur rather than ignored.

Kangana Ranaut reacts to the ongoing objectification debate

Amid the ongoing discussion around the portrayal of women in films, actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also shared her views on the controversy.

Speaking to PTI, she said, “By and large, as per my experience, when I agree to do a film, there are many perspectives involved. You can point something out and say, ‘Thoda sa aisa bhi sound kar raha hai yeh’. They may not want to objectify anyone. Nobody is trying to make a film with the intention of objectifying women.”

Kangana added that filmmakers are often receptive when actors raise concerns.

“As a woman, you can share your perspective if something doesn’t look right. Most people agree because those in the writers’ room are not thinking in a wrong manner. Such things can happen. Once you say yes to a film, it becomes a collaboration,” she said.

Jagapathi Babu defends Janhvi Kapoor

As the backlash intensified, actor Jagapathi Babu came out in support of Janhvi, urging audiences not to target actors for creative decisions made by filmmakers.

According to Eenadu, Jagapathi Babu said, “Artistes should not be trolled over creative decisions in a film. The poor girl simply did what the director asked her to do. Sometimes things misfire, and that can happen. In this matter, I support Janhvi Kapoor. She should not be targeted personally. People should not troll her and cause her mental distress.”