Juhi Chawla condemns death threats to Deepika Padukone

Protests against the film were expected, but a line was crossed when goondas claiming to represent the Rajput community started issuing death threats to Padmavati star Deepika Padukone and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The climate of fear caused by the threats and the protests by groups with political backing led to the release of Padmavati being postponed.

Now seasoned actress Juhi Chawla has joined the ranks of those who have strongly condemned the death threats. 

Chawla had stepped out for a book launch last evening where she was asked what she made of the threats to a fellow actress.

“I am not speaking of Padmavati the film, but the threats were not right," the Darr (1993) actress said. "You watch the same heroine in other films, go crazy for her, love her so much, she has tremendous fan following. Then to threaten her like this, I didn't feel it was right."

Chawla urged the agitators not to overreact to any issue and issue death threats. “At the end of the day, films are made by directors, by the team [and] you are playing a part. Just for that reason, I would say a little sensitivity is [needed] and people should have patience. Not flare up and say things like that, that too to a woman,” Chawla said.

Chawla was one of the top stars of the 1990s. Her career took a back seat following marriage and motherhood.