Janhvi Kapoor: “I Will Always Carry the Shame of Peddi”

Janhvi Kapoor on the Peddi Controversy

Janhvi Kapoor has finally addressed the backlash over her portrayal in Ram Charan’s Peddi, admitting that the film crossed the line in its treatment of her character. Speaking on Koffee with Karan 9, the actress said the backlash continues to weigh heavily on her conscience and admitted that she should have been more vigilant.

When host Karan Johar asked about the controversy, Janhvi said many people had worked hard on the film, and she was initially unsure whether there was anything she could say. However, she felt she needed to own her share of the fiasco because of the potential impact the film’s narrative could have on society, especially concerning women.

“That shame I will always carry with me. Could I have done more? Could I have been more vigilant? 100% yes,” she said.

Janhvi Kapoor also acknowledged the concerns surrounding the film’s portrayal of women. “Was it problematic, was it extreme objectification? Did it even propagate sexual assault narratively? Yes. But the only thing I can do is ensure that it doesn’t happen again,” she said.

She also pointed out the challenges of working in the South Indian film industry, where bound scripts and detailed information about camera angles are rarely available.

“You know, in the South, they rarely have bound scripts. You can’t see camera angles in their scripts,” she said.

“I should have taken advantage of my privilege,” she admitted, describing the experience as “a violating experience in a way.” She also expressed hope that the controversy would make directors think twice before presenting a lead actress in a similar manner.

Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi faced backlash over scenes that viewers felt focused excessively on her body instead of developing her character. Another controversial sequence showed Ram Charan’s character kissing her during a power cut without her consent, despite her lack of interest.