Veteran actress and politician Jaya Bachchan slammed ongoing objectification of women in Indian cinema. Her comments came amid backlash over film Peddi. Controversy erupted after movie starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ram Charan premiered June 4,2026,drawing fire for portrayal of Kapoor's character,Achiyyamma.
Bachchan,78,shared her thoughts in interview with Deccan Chronicle, stressing need for actresses to assert boundaries on set. She recalled her own experiences, like during 1972's Shor, when she resisted director's push for revealing attire . "Nobody ever dared to cross line with me," she said. Confront issues head-on .
Peddi slammed for its depiction of Kapoor's character,especially a scene where Ram Charan's character kisses Achiyyamma without consent. Critics say film prioritizes looks over character depth,igniting audience outrage. Director Buchi Babu Sana apologized on social media,promising to review film's content. "Cinema should entertain,inspire,connect. Never make anyone feel uncomfortable," he wrote.
After the uproar,Janhvi Kapoor's makeup artist, Savleen Kaur Manchanda,defended her on Instagram, saying Kapoor objected to certain shots during post-production. Unverified messages suggest Kapoor sought help from co-star Ram Charan over portrayal concerns.
Others in industry weighed in. Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan mentioned classic Bollywood songs that showed sensuality without relying on revealing clothing. Nithya Menen urged actors to set boundaries. Dimple Hayathi defended Kapoor, saying actors shouldn't be blamed for script's elements.
Peddi controversy sparked wider debate in Bollywood about women's representation and filmmakers' responsibilities. As more voices join in, industry faces growing pressure to tackle these issues of objectification and respect for female characters…
