Dhirendra Shastri Slams Swara Bhasker Over Jauhar Remark, Says ‘It Was Bravery, Not Cowardice’

New Delhi: The controversy surrounding the Jauhar scene of the film 'Padmaavat' is now in the headlines once again. Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham has given a strong reaction to the old statement of actress Swara Bhaskar. Referring to Swara's statement during Hanumanth Katha going on in Howrah, West Bengal, he said that it is not right to call Jauhar as cowardice. According to him, Jauhar is associated with bravery, devotion and dedication. During this, he also took a jibe at Swara's inter-religious marriage. After his statement came out, the debate on social media has again intensified.

What does Dhirendra Shastri have objection to about Swara?

Dhirendra Shastri, during the Katha at Liluah Workshop Ground in Howrah, talked about Swara Bhaskar's statement in which she had raised questions on the Jauhar scene of 'Padmaavat'. Shastri said that it is not right to see Jauhar as cowardice. He made his point by linking it to the circumstances of that time and the respect for women.

What did Swara actually say about Jauhar?

After Swara's old statement came into discussion again, she herself has given clarification. She says that she did not directly call Queen Padmavati or the women who committed Jauhar cowards. Her objection was to the portrayal of Jauhar in 'Padmaavat'. Swara had raised the question that if a woman survives sexual violence, should death be considered the only way to respect her?

What is the difference in the thinking of both the parties regarding Jauhar?

The root of the controversy lies here. Swara is looking at this incident from today's perspective and is talking about women's right to life. On the other hand, Dhirendra Shastri is talking about looking at it in the context of history and the contemporary circumstances. Linking Jauhar to the courage, sacrifice and dedication of women, he said that it is not easy to sit in today's time and understand the decisions of that era.

What did Dhirendra Shastri say about Swara's marriage?

While speaking on Jauhar, Dhirendra Shastri also mentioned Swara's personal life. He taunted about their inter-religious marriage and said, 'How can those who convert Bhaiya into Saiya know about Jauhar?' This comment has now become another part of the controversy. Criticism is also being raised as to why the personal life of an actress was brought into the debate on a historical topic.

Has there been opposition to Swara's statement before?

After Swara's comments came to light, she faced a lot of criticism on social media. Actor Ranveer Shorey also criticised his statement. Swara's husband Fahad Ahmed came to her defence and said that if Swara has called Queen Padmavati or the women who performed Jauhar cowards, then it should be proved. Swara also explained the context of her statement and said that what she said meant something else.

Why did the Jauhar scene of 'Padmaavat' come into discussion again?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film 'Padmavat' was released in 2018. There was a lot of controversy at that time also regarding Jauhar shown in the last part of the film. Now after Swara's old statement has resurfaced, a new debate has started on this. Some people see it as a historical event, while others question how such incidents should be presented in today's era.

How much did Dhirendra Shastri's statement increase the controversy?

After the statement of Dhirendra Shastri, the matter has once again come into debate on social media. The special thing is that the discussion which started with disagreement on Jauhar has now reached history, women's rights, depiction of historical events in films and personal preferences. At present, Swara has given clarification on her statement and Dhirendra Shastri has put forward his point. Following the comments from both sides, this dispute may escalate further in the coming days.