Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj
Deepika Padukone, who has been on a sabbatical ever since her last release Padmaavat earlier this year, has zeroed in on her next film. It is now confirmed that Deepika will play acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal in a film directed by Meghna Gulzar. What’s special here is that this project will also see Deepika make her debut as a producer.
Looking forward to the journey with Meghna, Deepika said she’s excited to work with the Raazi maker.
I have been greatly impacted by Meghna’s work and beyond thrilled to be collaborating with her. We now look forward to commencing our journey on this film.Deepika Padukone
Touting Deepika as the best choice for the role, Meghna says,
It is both an emotionally and physically challenging role to play. I was instinctively convinced that Deepika can do justice to the character and the story. Also, her physicality matched what I had imagined for the character of Laxmi. I am grateful and feel extremely encouraged that Deepika was so spontaneous in her decision to do this film. Also, when you take a face as beautiful as hers, and portray it as an Acid survivor, the magnitude of the violence and damage is that much more resounding.
Speaking about choosing Laxmi’s story, Meghna said, "In spite of regulation on the sale of Acid and changes in legislation regarding acid attacks, both of which are consequences of the Acid attack case of Laxmi and her PIL - the ground reality is still very grim. Acid violence is a very prevalent danger even today. Medical treatment, compensation, rehabilitation and inclusion of Acid attack survivors are still very real challenges. Using Laxmi’s story as a lens, we are attempting to explore these aspects and consequences of Acid violence in our society. This is what makes this story, relevant and one that must be told. Because if anything, awareness is the first step towards change."
Back in February this year, Meghna Gulzar had announced her plan to make a film on Laxmi Agarwal’s story. Laxmi was attacked in 2005 in Delhi at the age of 15, by a man whose advances she had rejected. She was at the forefront of advocacy against acid attacks and her petition led the Supreme Court to order the central and state governments to regulate the sale of acid and the Parliament to make prosecutions of acid attacks easier to pursue.
Laxmi received the International Women of Courage award in 2014 from Michelle Obama and is currently heading Chhanv Foundation, a NGO dedicated to help the survivors of acid attacks in India.
Deepika Padukone will be co-producing the untitled film with Meghna Gulzar and the shooting of this film on Laxmi Agarwal is expected to begin in February 2019. Meghna was also planning to make a biopic on Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw, but that project will now take a backseat.
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