Ratna Pathak Shah Video Goes Viral Amid Backlash Over Janhvi Kapoor's Role In Peddi
The theatrical release of the film 'Peddi' on June 4, 2026, has triggered public backlash over the portrayal of actress Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyyamma. The controversy has also sparked the viral resurgence of an old video online featuring veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah discussing the objectification of women in Indian cinema.
Critics and audiences have expressed strong disapproval of the film, which stars Kapoor opposite actor Ram Charan. Much of the criticism has focused on the introduction scene of Kapoor's character, where the camera lingers on different parts of her body before revealing her face. Critics argued that this specific sequence prioritises the male gaze and visual appeal over meaningful character establishment.
Additionally, the film's romantic subplot has raised concerns among viewers. Some audience members pointed out that certain scenes blur the boundaries of consent, arguing that behaviour framed as romance can be interpreted as normalising persistence in the face of a woman's objections rather than respecting her autonomy and choices.
Following the outcry, an old clip of Ratna Pathak Shah from a panel discussion began circulating widely on online platforms. In the video, Shah spoke about the choices female actors have regarding roles that objectify them, urging those with financial security to reject such parts.
"Everyone who decides to act in a film, every woman, I am sorry to be judgemental but every woman who decides to act in a film like Dabangg where she is made a complete object of lust and more or less, nothing else, those women should also stand up and say ‘no, I don’t feel doing a part like this’," Shah said in the clip.
Shah acknowledged that not all women in the film industry have the same financial security or freedom to reject such opportunities. Referring to the privileges enjoyed by some actors, she contrasted them with others, stating that actors like Silk Smitha did not get a chance to say no because their families depended on them. "My family doesn’t depend, so why am I not standing up?" she added.
The panel discussion also featured actors Vidya Balan, Bhumi Pednekar, Swara Bhasker, and Zaira Wasim. During the session, Pednekar emphasised the need for accountability in storytelling, revealing she had turned down projects due to uncomfortable depictions of female characters. Pednekar stressed that the industry needs to become more responsible considering the impact films have on the public.
