Janhvi Kapoor Addresses 'Peddi' Objectification Controversy, Admits Portrayal Weighs on Her Conscience
· GlobeWire Daily Editorial Desk · Source: news.abplive.com

Image: Devyani Nautiyal · Photo source · Cropped to 16:9; original source image
Actor Reflects on Character Backlash
Actor Janhvi Kapoor has openly addressed the controversy surrounding her character, Achiyamma, in the sports drama *Peddi*. Appearing on *Koffee With Karan* Season 9 alongside actor Varun Dhawan, Kapoor discussed the public backlash regarding the film's portrayal of women with host Karan Johar.
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana and starring Ram Charan, the film drew criticism from viewers who argued that its presentation of Kapoor's character placed excessive emphasis on her sexuality and raised questions about narrative elements related to sexual assault.
Acknowledging Responsibility and Social Impact
During the conversation, Kapoor acknowledged that the way her character was presented could negatively impact society's perception of women. She stated that the experience weighs heavily on her conscience.
“The sort of negative impact a narrative like that can have on our society, specific to my gender—that shame I will always carry with me,” Kapoor said. When asked if she could have done more, the actor responded affirmatively, adding, “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.”
Addressing the filmmaking process, Kapoor noted that actors do not always receive fully bound scripts prior to shooting, nor do they consistently have insight into final camera angles. While pointing to the influence of directors, she emphasized that she takes responsibility for her part in the project and believes her position of privilege in the industry should have been leveraged to speak up more effectively.
Context and Official Response
Following the initial backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology, stating that the production team did not intend to disrespect or objectify women. Sequences that drew criticism were subsequently edited or removed from the theatrical version of the film.
Practical Implications and Verification
Readers interested in the details of this interview and the ongoing discussion surrounding representation in cinema can review the original coverage provided by major entertainment news outlets.
- Confirmed Facts: Janhvi Kapoor discussed the *Peddi* controversy on *Koffee With Karan* Season 9, admitting that her character's portrayal involved objectification and carried a negative social impact. Director Buchi Babu Sana previously issued an apology and altered the criticized scenes.
- What Remains Unknown: The exact internal discussions between the actor and the production team during the filming process have not been fully detailed beyond Kapoor's public statements.
- How to Verify: Readers can review official broadcast segments of *Koffee With Karan* Season 9 and check statements reported by verified news agencies such as ANI via the original publishing source linked below.
AI-assisted reporting; source claims are attributed and have not been independently verified.
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