Actress Swara Bhasker recently faced criticism after her remarks about the Jauhar practice of Kshatrani women. The statement came during the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ event held at Delhi’s India International Centre on August 31.
During the event, Swara called women who performed Jauhar “cowards”. Following the controversy, storyteller Aniruddhacharya responded to her comments.
Aniruddhacharya shares views on Rani Padmavati’s sacrifice
Aniruddhacharya said women like Rani Padmavati represented purity and were considered Sati. He stated that they sacrificed their lives to protect their character.
Furthermore, he said these stories teach that character holds greater value than life itself. According to him, one should understand the message that life may end, but character should remain protected.
Aniruddhacharya questions understanding of Jauhar
While reacting to Swara Bhasker’s statement, Aniruddhacharya said such matters require deep understanding. He said Kshatrani women gave their lives but did not compromise their character.
He added that only a person with strong character can understand such deep thoughts. Moreover, he questioned how someone without character could understand these ideas.
Swara Bhaskar clarifies her earlier statement
After the controversy, Swara Bhasker said her statement was wrongly translated and presented. She clarified that she never called Rani Padmavati or Rajput women cowards.
Instead, Swara said she criticised the Jauhar scene shown in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film. She also requested people not to spread incorrect information about her speech.
Swara explained that she never said Rani Padmavati or other palace women were cowards. She said the film’s climax made her think about how a rape survivor might feel after such a situation.
