We’ve Regressed as a Nation: Deepika on the Padmavati Row

Deepika Padukone opens up about the Padmavati controversy.

A decade ago when she forayed into Bollywood, Deepika Padukone never imagined she would work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Now, as she prepares for the release of the epic drama Padmavati, which clocks her trilogy with the filmmaker, the actress is confident the movie will tide over the controversy, hit the screens and win a “bigger battle” for the industry.

“As a woman, I feel proud to be a part of this film, and to tell this story, which needs to be told. And it needs to be told now,” Deepika, who plays the title role in Padmavati -- Bhansali’s professed tribute to the sacrifice, valour and honour of Rajput queen Rani Padmavati -- told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Doubts on the extent to which the National Award winning filmmaker has fictionalised the story, has led to a spiralling controversy with politicians, organisations and individuals raising a finger at Bhansali for “distorting history” and demanding that the release of Padmavati be stalled. Deepika is convinced the movie will release, as scheduled, on December 1.

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