This may be actress Deepika Padukone's final word in the row over a close-up photo of her cleavage carried by a daily that has escalated into a back-and-forth exchange between the star and the daily.
In a post titled 'My Point of View' and written on her Facebook page, Deepika makes the following points - the characters she plays on screen and the costumes she wears to do so are separate from her appearances off-screen and the lines between reel and real should not be blurred; when a female celebrity appears in public with a wardrobe malfunction it's usually unintended and she ought to be accorded corresponding respect and privacy; much as we marvel over Shah Rukh Khan's abs on-screen, we don't publicise crotch shots of him from off-screen appearances; it's not about the body part shown but about the context it is shown in; and lastly that she has no issues celebrating her body on-screen but just wants respect off it. (Also Read: The Tweet Which Started the Row)
She also underlines the fact that the picture of her which started it all was an old photo that had been resurrected by the daily with an eye on 'cheap headlines'. (Watch Video: Deepika Feels 'Violated')
The week-long row began with an up close and personal photo of Deepika tweeted by the daily and captioned 'OMG: Deepika Padukone's cleavage show.' The Finding Fanny actress responded furiously saying 'YES!I am a Woman.I have breasts AND a cleavage! You got a problem!!??'
As Deepika's friends, colleagues and fans rallied to her support online, the tweet was deleted from the daily's timeline and they made a cheeky non-apology saying the actress should consider the original photo a compliment. Two days ago, the daily published an article in its defence asking why the rules were different for male and female celebrities since it's acceptable to drool over Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan's sculpted six-pack torsos but not over a female star's curves. (Also Read: The Daily's Reply to 'Cleavage Controversy')
This is Deepika's response and, as she writes, her final take on the episode. We reproduce her post as it was written on her Facebook page:
My Point of View...
There is only ONE sign that a woman wants to have sex and that is that she says "YES".
The reason I write the above line is because we all know that in India we are so desperately trying to make a change in the way sections of our society think in order to move towards a happier world devoid of inequality,rape,fear and pain.
I am not naive about my own profession; it is one that requires lots of demanding things of me. A character may demand that I be clothed from head to toe or be completely naked, and it will be my choice as an actor whether or not I take either. Understand that this is a ROLE and not REAL, and it is my job to portray whatever character I choose to play convincingly.
What my concern is and I am stating it clearly so it is not misconstrued or confused with Shahrukh's 8-pack or any other woman's or man's anatomy. I have spoken out against an ideology that such regressive tactics are still being employed to draw a reader's attention at a time when we are striving for women's equality and empowerment. In a time where women should be applauded for making headway in a male-dominated society,we blur the lines between REEL and REAL life and dilute all our efforts by making a one-year old back sliding piece of news a headline. Digging out an old article and headlining it "OMG: Deepika's Cleavage Show!" to attract readers is using the power of influence to proliferate recessive thought.
When an actresses inner wear decides to do a "peek-a-boo",she most definitely did not step out with the intention to do so.So instead of zooming in,circling it and pointing arrows at it,why don't we give her some 'respect' and let it go instead of making it 'headlines'!? Are we not human?Yes we marvel,envy and drool over a male actors 8pack abs in a film,but do we zoom in on the mans 'crotch' when he makes a public appearance and make that 'cheap headlines'??!!
I have no issue celebrating my body and I have never shied away from anything on-screen to portray a character. In fact my next character portrayed is a bar dancer (sorry Farah for the spoiler!) who titillates men as a means to support her livelihood. My issue is you propagating the objectification of a REAL person,and not a character being played. Sure,dissect my characters if you wish-if it is of so much interest then discuss the character's cup size and leg length if it is relevant to making the role convincing. All I am asking for is respect as a woman off-screen.
It is not about breasts,penises,or any other body part being reported.It is a matter of context and how out-of-context the reportage is just to sell a headline. And more so during a time in dire need of an attitude shift towards women.
For me this topic ends here.Everyone is entitled to an opinion.I have little interest to take this further as it might get more attention than it deserves and might be further misconstrued and twisted to sell more undeserved headlines.
Having said that,please may we show love,dignity and respect to each other.
Live well, laugh often and love much.
Deepika Padukone
