Deepika Padukone will play the role of an acid attack survivor in her debut production Chhapaak. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film based on the real-life survivor Laxmi Agarwal.
Speaking at the Hindu Lit for Life event, director Meghna Gulzar said, “You won’t be seeing Deepika, you know. You will be seeing a disfigured Deepika. There is an uncanny similarity between the survivor and Deepika,” as per a report by HT.
Vikrant Massey will play a prominent role in the film. It was initially reported that Rajkummar Rao is also part of the cast.
Earlier, the director spoke about her plans for the movie, and said, “Using Laxmi’s story as a lens, we are attempting to explore these aspects and the consequences of acid-related violence in our society. This is what makes this must-told story relevant. Awareness is the first step towards change.”
Laxmi Agarwal said that she was glad Deepika Padukone was playing her role in the movie. “I am so happy that Deepika is playing the role… She has played wonderful characters on screen and I believe she will give her best.”
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Agarwal, who was attacked at the age of 15, later helped other acid attack survivors and also spread awareness about the violence on women. She was the recipient of the US State Department’s International Women of Courage Award in 2014. It was given by the then First Lady of United States, Michelle Obama.
Padukone said about her decision to turn producer with the project: “When I heard this story, I was deeply moved as it’s not just one of violence but of strength and courage, hope and victory. It made such an impact on me, that personally and creatively, I needed to go beyond and so the decision to turn producer.”