New Delhi. Controversy is increasing over actress Swara Bhasker's comment regarding the Jauhar scene shown in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film 'Padmaavat'. Swara had raised questions on glorification of Jauhar. After his statement, there was criticism on social media and now protests were also organized against him in Agra. The protesters burnt posters of the actress and trampled them under their feet to express their protest.
Yogi Youth Brigade demonstrated
On Tuesday, a demonstration was held under the leadership of 'Yogi Youth Brigade' state president Kunwar Ajay Tomar. The organization criticized Swara Bhaskar for questioning the courage and sacrifice of Rani Padmavati and other Rajput women who committed Jauhar.
Ajay Tomar alleged that the actress did not have adequate understanding of the historical circumstances of that period. During the demonstration, objectionable language was also used against Swara Bhaskar.
Announcement of reward of Rs 1.51 lakh for biting Swara's tongue
During the protest, Kunwar Ajay Tomar announced a reward of Rs 1.51 lakh for the person who cut off Swara Bhaskar's tongue. This statement was given during the demonstration.
The controversy started on August 31
Swara Bhaskar had expressed her objection regarding the Jauhar scene of 'Padmavat' in a program organized in Delhi on August 31. He had raised the question as to what kind of message could be sent to rape victims by showing Jauhar as an act of honor and pride.
Swara also raised the question whether a woman's chastity should be considered more important than her life. After his statement, a debate broke out on social media and he had to face criticism.
UP: Yogi Youth Brigade in Agra has announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh to anyone who cuts the tongue of Swara Bhaskar while burning posters. Ajay Tomar called Swara Bhaskar a prostitute.@madanmohansoni pic.twitter.com/tNJtZlemEr
— Sachin Gupta (@Sachingupta) September 2, 2026
Said in clarification- I did not call Rani Padmavati a coward
After the controversy escalated, Swara Bhaskar released a video on Instagram and clarified her statement. He said that he had not called Rani Padmavati or other women who committed Jauhar as cowards.
The actress clarified that her concern was about what events and ideas are glorified in modern films. She also said that a rape victim should never feel that she is less courageous because she survived.
What did 'Padmaavat' writer Prakash Kapadia say?
Amidst the controversy, the writer of the film 'Padmavat' Prakash Kapadia also expressed his views regarding the portrayal of Johar in the film. Talking to 'Hindustan Times', he said that the film was made on the basis of research and facts recorded in history books.
According to Kapadia, every person can understand a film in his own way, but the incidents shown in the film, including Johar, were part of the circumstances of that era. He described it as a 'do or die' situation at that time.
The film was in huge controversies even before its release.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavat' was embroiled in controversies even before its release. There were protests at many places alleging alleged historical tampering in the film and demands were also raised to ban the film.
Amidst the controversy, the name of the film was changed from 'Padmavati' to 'Padmavat'. Despite all the opposition, the film managed to achieve major success at the box office.
Worldwide collection of more than Rs 585 crore
According to SACNL data, 'Padmaavat' had earned more than Rs 585 crore worldwide. Years after the release of the film, Swara Bhaskar's comment regarding its Jauhar scene has once again sparked debate.