Mumbai: Janhvi Kapoor has opened up about the controversy surrounding her appearance in the film Peddi, admitting that her character was objectified and portrayed in a problematic manner. During the third episode of Koffee With Karan 9, featuring Varun Dhawan alongside her, the actress acknowledged that the film’s portrayal of women could have a negative impact on society. She also expressed regret, saying the embarrassment would stay with her forever and admitting that she should have been more careful during the shoot.
The controversy erupted after viewers criticised the way Janhvi’s character was presented, arguing that the film focused more on her physical appearance than on her personality or contribution to the story. Director Buchi Babu Sana had earlier apologised following the backlash and said changes would be made to the portions that had raised concerns.
Janhvi Kapoor Breaks Her Silence on the ‘Peddi’ Controversy
During the conversation, host Karan Johar asked Janhvi how she had handled the criticism surrounding the film. The actress said several people had worked hard on the project, which initially left her unsure about how to respond. However, she acknowledged the broader concerns about the way women were portrayed.
Janhvi admitted that the film’s presentation was problematic and involved excessive objectification. She also agreed that certain aspects of the storytelling could be seen as normalising sexual misconduct.
The actress questioned whether she could have done more to prevent the situation and said she could have been more cautious. She added that her priority now was to ensure that such a situation did not happen again.
Janhvi Calls the Experience Humiliating
Janhvi said she blamed herself after the criticism emerged and felt she should have paid closer attention to how her character was being presented. She explained that actors often have to follow a director’s vision, while also acknowledging that this did not remove her own responsibility.
The actress also spoke about the challenges of working on film sets where a fully bound script and detailed camera angles may not always be available in advance. She said she tried to make changes as she learned more about how the film was being shaped.
Looking back, Janhvi described the experience as deeply humiliating. She expressed hope that the controversy would encourage filmmakers to think more carefully before presenting a female lead in a similar manner in the future.
Why Janhvi Kapoor’s Character in ‘Peddi’ Faced Criticism
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi is a sports action drama starring Ram Charan in the lead role. Janhvi plays Achiyamma, the love interest of Ram Charan’s character.
The film faced criticism over the way Achiyamma was portrayed. Several viewers argued that the storytelling placed excessive emphasis on her physical appearance instead of developing her personality and role in the narrative.
A particular scene also drew criticism in which Peddi expresses a desire to be with Achiyamma despite her apparent lack of interest. Later, during a power cut, he kisses her without her consent. The scene prompted questions about how consent and women’s agency were handled in the film.
Director Buchi Babu Sana Apologises After Backlash
Following the criticism, director Buchi Babu Sana issued an apology on social media platform X. He said he had always respected women and that the intention had never been to reduce a female character to an object or disrespect her.
The director acknowledged the concerns raised by viewers and apologised to those who felt the portrayal was inappropriate. He also said the filmmakers respected the audience’s response and had decided to make changes to the portions of the film that had attracted criticism.
Janhvi’s comments have now added another perspective to the controversy, with the actress openly acknowledging the concerns and reflecting on her own role in the experience.
What Happened in the Previous Episodes of ‘Koffee With Karan 9’?
The latest season of Koffee With Karan began with Salman Khan and Karisma Kapoor as guests. During the opening episode, Salman spoke about his personal life and remarked that his life would end with him, suggesting that no biopic would be made about him.
The second episode featured Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, who discussed aspects of their personal lives and spoke about Vijay’s look in Peddi.
In the third episode, Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan appeared on the show, where the discussion turned to the controversy surrounding Janhvi’s character. Her candid remarks have renewed the debate about representation, consent and the responsibility of filmmakers when portraying women on screen.
