‘Padmaavat’: Bollywood celebs who have supported the film

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited film ‘Padmaavat’ has lived up to the everyone’s expectations. The end product despite all the controversies it was involved in, seems all worth it. The film has been highly appreciated and loved by all. Not just the fans, but B-town too is smitten by the visual grandeur showcased in the film. The Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor starrer has broken a number of box-office records as it continues to win hearts the world over.

With Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and many more celebs singing praises of the director and the actors, there’s another celeb who recently joined the club. Shah Rukh Khan watched the film and "loved it."

On being asked by Ranveer on Twitter if he watched the film, Shah Rukh replied, “So sorry didn’t realise it was you, 'cause now you are Khilji for me. Bahut acchhi picture hai Bhai... I saw it and loved it.”

Seems like Ranveer's act as the barbaric Sultan has won hearts of any and every person who watched the film.

After Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt and Rishi Kapoor praising Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’, Karan Johar recently joined the club. Seemingly captivated by Bhansali’s art of creating a grandeur visual experience, Karan made it a point to laud the director and his film starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles.

Karan’s alleged cold war with Bhansali also couldn’t come in the way of him appreciating the masterpiece. The filmmaker tweeted, “Huge Congratulations to the magnificent team of #Padmaavat! The maestro Sanjay Leela Bhansali! The magical trio @deepikapadukone @shahidkapoor and @RanveerOfficial! A bonafide BLOCKBUSTER!! A validation of conviction and passion!”

The film with hit theatres worldwide on January 25, 2018, was originally scheduled to release on December 1, 2017, but was held back due to various reasons. Guess, it was all worth the wait!

When Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’ was embroiled in controversies, many from Bollywood came out in support of the film. And now, when the film has finally released after fighting all the odds, praises are pouring in from all quarters.
Riteish Deshmukh recently took to his Instagram handle to congratulate actor Ranveer Singh who played the character of Alauddin Khilji in ‘Padmaavat’ along with two pictures. While in one, Riteish can be seen hugging Ranveer, another one is the menacing picture of Khilji. Captioning the pics, Ritesh wrote, “I haven’t seen a more menacing performance on screen in the last 10 years than @ranveersingh ‘s #Khilji - You are pure gold. You owned it like a king... take a bow my friend #Padmaavat.”
’Padmaavat’, originally titled as ‘Padmavati’, was released on January 25 and has been winning hearts of the audience and critics alike with its storyline and power-packed performances.

After much furore, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’ finally made it to the screens, though the distributors caved in to Karni Sena’s pressure in a few states and abstained from screening the film. However, the film fraternity stood up with the critically acclaimed director and came to cheer him and the cast, including Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh at the special screening of the film. All from Imtiaz Ali, Rohit Shetty to Nitesh Tiwari, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Anand L Rai and Rajkumar Hirani watched the magnum opus with the ‘Padmaavat’ team while showing their solidarity with them loud and clear.
Ranveer, Shahid and Deepika have been lauded for acing their respective characters on screen.

After innumerable controversies, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited visual spectacle ‘Padmaavat’ that stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles, braced all obstacles and finally hit theatres on January 25. While the critics gave the film a thumbs up, fans, on the other hand, are falling short of words to describe their cinematic experience.

But it’s not just the layman, Alia Bhatt too is in awe of the film. The ‘Raazi’ actress recently watched the film and hasn’t been able to contain her excitement ever since. The actress, who seemed visibly bowled over by the film, took to Twitter to post a bunch of tweets praising the entire cast and the director with personalised messages.

Read along to see what Alia had to say about the film:

Ranveer Singh you magnificent person! How you’ve done this??? Epic epic epic! Blown me away and how! Pure magic in Padmavat!!!!!! �������� @RanveerOfficial #Padmavat

DP �� how can a human being look soooooo stunning!!! But what’s even more stunning is your strength and your eyes and everything you did in this film! @deepikapadukone ❤️❤️❤️

And last but definitely not the least my dear friend @shahidkapoor!!!! How you manage to make every character look like you belong there amazes me. ���� Gave me soo many moments of goose flesh! �� #Padmaavat

Sanjay sir you have nailed it once again with the world you’ve given us! Can’t wait for your next magical piece already! Running out of big beautiful words to describe your films ☺️�� Thank you for this experience :) ✨✨✨✨ #SanjayLeelaBhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s periodic drama ‘Padmavat’ will finally get its nation-wide release on January 25, despite protests that have erupted in parts of the nation. With the Supreme Court ruling in the film’s favour and lifting bans apart from directing states to allow the screenings while maintaining law and order, it has only added to the hype and anticipation to see the action unfold on the big screen.

Amidst all the tension surrounding the film, actress Renuka Shahane hit out at fringe groups with a strong message. In a series of pictures that have now gone viral online, Shahane posted a crossed-out image of the protesters seeking a ban on the film along with three pictures of herself holing up placards with messages that read - Ban rape, ban female foeticide, ban sexual molestation.

Shahane is among the long list of celebrities speaking up in support of ‘Padmaavat’, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor.

Masaba Gupta has always been vocal about issues that are close to her heart and has even taken on social media trolls for expressing her views on trending topics. Now, the next hot-button issue is the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial 'Padmaavat' which is still facing opposition from fringe groups threatening to wreak havoc and create "war-like" situations in the country if the film releases. Unperturbed by these threats, Masaba has extended her support for the film in her own way.

Taking to Twitter, Masaba declared that she will be taking her entire team to watch the Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh starrer. Her note read, “Decided to take my team of 75 people to see #Padmaavat - we’re artists & I think no artist deserves to back off & watch people create turmoil blindly because they have the power. They deserve a shot at presenting their work & we as an audience need to lift them. I look Fwd.”

However, she also cleared it up quickly that she has no association with 'Padmaavat' in anyway as she added, “I have nothing to do with the film or anyone in it. I pray that the youth of India, who will form the new tomorrow will not ever feel the need to curb their creativity & always be brave enough to lead a silent, impactful fight & most importantly, do it NON-VIOLENTLY.”

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial is set to hit theatre screens world-wide on January 25, with a paid preview organised on January 24.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's historical drama ‘Padmavati’, has been mired in controversies all year round. A number protests seeking a ban on the film along with threats to the lives of the director and leading lady Deepika Padukone prompted many Bollywood celebrities to come out in support of Bhansali and the film. The star to join the list is none other than Priyanka Chopra, who previously starred in the filmmaker’s ‘Bajirao Mastani’.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event in the city, Priyanka said that she shares an incredible relationship with Bhansali and that she admired him tremendously. Voicing her support for the film, she said, “I know that this will come out and I know people will see the art behind it. They just have to make sure that everything is sorted. I will always stand by not just Sanjay sir but also Deepika, Ranveer, and Shahid for the film.’’

The actress, who has been busy with her American television show and films, is now back in Mumbai city and is expected to announce her next Bollywood film.

The 'Padmavati' controversy has flared up in the recent past, with many Rajput groups protesting against the film and even issuing threats to director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone.

Recently, actor Hrithik Roshan commented on the issue and said, “It is a clear indication of our level of evolution. We are still evolving as a society and as individuals. It is a reflection of the fact that we still have a long way to go to evolve into beings that bereft of these problems and issues of assumptions and attacks. It is not right.”

Varun Dhawan also commented on the issue and condemned the attacks stating, “Protesting peacefully is fine. It is a democracy and everyone should be allowed to voice their opinion and we should totally respect that. But making a (death) threat should not be allowed in a democracy. And I believe in our judiciary, I am sure they will manage it.”

'Padmavati', starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, could not keep its 1st December date with audience as the makers postponed its release as the film has yet to be certified by the CBFC.

Amidst the raging battle over the release of ‘Padmavati’, a number of Bollywood stars have condemned the open death threats against the film’s director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and leading lady Deepika Padukone. Writer-poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar recently joined the debate by vehemently lashing out at the miscreants and even remarked that “All these ranas, rajas and maharajas of Rajasthan were serving in the courts of the British for 200 years. Where did their Rajput honour and valour go that time?”

Early this week, a complaint was filed at a police station in Jaipur against the Bollywood star for hurting the sentiments of the Rajput community and “threaten the social harmony” in the state.

On Friday, Akhtar took to his social media handle to share his thoughts on the bounties on the heads of Deepika and Sanjay. He said, “I sincerely hope that condemning those who offer five crore for someone’s head and Ten crore for someone’s nose is yet not considered an anti national activity.”

The ongoing controversy surrounding the film, took an ugly turn when a 40-year-old man’s body was found hanging on the walls of the Nahargarh fort with an eerie message written on a stone at the site.

The controversies surrounding ‘Padmavati’ took an ugly turn when news broke of a dead body found hanging at the Nahargarh Fort along with an eerie note written on stones. The shocking state of affairs left many across the country alarmed with the extent certain fringe groups are going to, to obstruct the film's release.
As the concerned bodies and the makers have not reached any conclusion concerning the release of the film, many celebs shared their outrage over these untoward situations. Expressing her outrage, actress Alia Bhatt tweeted, “This is what happens when violent threats are allowed to made openly without punishment! What is happening? Shocked!” Let’s hope, this gets resolved at the earliest."

Ever since the time of its inception, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’ has been mired in controversies. Right from the director being assaulted in Jaipur while shooting to increasing protests and death threats as the film’s release neared in, it has been a tough time for the entire cast and crew. Even though the situation and people have turned hostile outside, Deepika Padukone and team ‘Padmavati’ have been getting some steady support from the film fraternity. Many celebs have come out in support of the film and have actively spoken against the hooliganism of many fringe groups. Here is a look at a few such B-towners who wholeheartedly support the magnum opus…

Salman Khan is known for being vocal and always sharing his opinion without hesitation. He hosted Deepika Padukone in the latest edition of Bigg Boss 11 as part of promotions for ‘Padmavati’. He also extended his support for Bhansali and the film by saying that he makes beautiful films without ever depicting vulgarity. Salman also added he is certain that the director will never show any character in a bad light but also mentioned diplomatically that the final decision rests in the hands of CBFC. But to his credit, he did clarify on national television that ‘Padmavati’ will not hurt anybody’s sentiments.

He has his own share of controversies. Karan Johar, who is no stranger to such brouhahas, spoke in defence of the film. KJo said that he feels bad for Bhansali and that a great director such as him has to face so much trouble. He also added that ‘Padmavati’ is a beautiful film and that he hopes Bhansali is protected by the law and judiciary. Ultimately, he feels that films are just a form of expression and should be treated that way.

Farhan Akhtar has always been a strong proponent of free speech and he remained no different in the ‘Padmavati’ issue. The actor lamented at an event that the film industry lacks unity because of which everyone suffers. While speaking to ANI at sidelines of an event, the filmmaker and actor said, “Everyone gets scared when it's their film on the line. It is a small industry... There are not that many people. If they don't come together to create an environment where they themselves can function in, the way they want to, nobody else is going to do it for them.” He also added that he is against banning or censoring of any kind. “I am totally against anything being banned. I genuinely believe we should stop treating our audiences as children. We should allow them to grow.”

Having worked with the ace director in her debut film, ‘Saawariya’, Sonam Kapoor is well aware of the Sanjay Bhansali style of working. The actress is also super fond of the filmmaker and was really appalled when the protests against ‘Padmavati’ broke out. She lashed out strongly against the fringe groups threatening violence on social media. She wrote, “I’m appalled at the drama that’s unfolding... it’s ludicrous and I’m so ashamed of some of these Indians.” Sonam made this scathing remark in response to a bounty of Rs 5 Crore for beheading Deepika Padukone and Bhansali.

Anurag Basu too came out in support of his fellow filmmaker and questioned the intention behind the protests. Taking a dig at the various groups who are vehemently opposing the film’s release, Basu tweeted, “It’s bizarre!! The whole #Padmavati row is based on just presumptions. Protestors have not seen a single frame of the film yet, but they know that history has been tampered! How!?” The director, who faced his fair share of problems with his latest release ‘Jagga Jasoos’, tackled the issue with logic and we must say that his reasoning is pretty solid.

Hansal Mehta is also no stranger when it comes to courting controversy. His award-winning film ‘Aligarh’ had also faced a lot of resistance from the then CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani. Now, looking at the death threats that the ‘Padmavati’ filmmaker is subjected to daily, he took to Twitter to make a strong statement. He said, “So SLB should show the film to those who threaten to have him beheaded? And get their approval?”

Twinkle Khanna is known for her witty remarks, be it in her column or on social media. So when ‘Padmavati’ found itself in the eye of the storm, she had her trademark sassy reply ready. Taking to social media, the actress sarcastically commented, “The nation wants to know-Is this 10 cr beheading fee inclusive of GST?”. She also extended her best wishes for the success of the film as she said, “And as far as #Padmavati is concerned I wish it is the biggest hit ever as that would be the befitting rejoinder to all these loony threats!”

Even when Bhansali was manhandled by members of Rajput Karni Sena early this year, veteran actress and activist Shabana Azmi had been in the forefront to support the filmmaker. Now, as the director and actors of the film face death threats, she did not fail to rise up to the occasion and ask the tough questions. Azmi requested for the boycott of International Film Festival of India after the silence of Union Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani on the death threats. She started out by saying, “Smriti Irani is preparing IFFI dats possible only bcoz the Indian Film Industry brings such acclaim to it but keeps quiet about 'Padmavati'!" She also went ahead and termed it as a "cultural annihilation". This is exactly like HKL Bhagat and Congress celebrating IFFI in Delhi after the murder of Safdar Hashmi in 1989. Cultural Annihilation.” She concluded her rant by saying, “The entire film industry should boycott IFFI in protest against the threats to @deepikapadukone SLB and #Padmavati.”

Azmi also questioned the motives of CBFC when it refused to certify Padmavati claiming it to be incomplete. Taking to Twitter, she questioned, “#Padmavati’s application to CBFC has been sent back bcoz of incomplete formalities! Really? Or to keep fires stoked for electoral gains?”

Actor Rajkummar Rao whose career is on a high point ever since his film ‘Newton’ earned international acclaim, was also mighty supportive of the film. The actor said that by talking about the protests, we are giving free publicity to those who want to stop the film. According to the versatile actor, the protestors are inciting violence without even watching the film only to get attention. Rao believes that the entire issues should be left to the handled by the law and order and further attention should not be given to those spreading ruckus.

Sidharth Malhotra feels that the entire controversy and the protests are unfair as they are being carried out without even watching the film. Speaking at the sidelines of an event, the ‘Ittefaq’ actor was quoted as saying, “I feel it is unfair that you comment on a film without watching it. Only the censor board has that right. As an industry, we are hoping the film gets a good release and people are able to watch the film and then decide.” He was also all praise for filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali as he added, “If you see the kind of movies Sanjay Leela Bhansali has made, they are respectful, artistic and they have nothing offensive about them.”

The actor, who often comes out in support his industry people in need, didn’t fail to do so with Bhansali and ‘Padmavati’ as well. Arjun shared a piece of his mind on social media after Bhansali released a video assuring the public that there is no romantic dream sequence between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji in the movie. Taking to the micro-blogging platform, Arjun said, “Yet again a man has to justify creativity because politics & propaganda creates an ugly environment. He’s a fantastic filmmaker his vision must be trusted. I’m sure Rani Padmavati & her story will be depicted with respect by him & @RanveerOfficial @deepikapadukone @shahidkapoor.”

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar faced his share of threats and hooliganism while releasing his film ‘Indu Sarkar’. As he has already been in in SLB’s shoes, Bhandarkar can definitely sympathize with the director. Talking about the whole matter, the acclaimed filmmaker said, “We absolutely condemn such act, any kind of violence in the theatre. I feel the film should be passed by the censor board, as it is a constitutional body and it has people from different walks of life, who have the knowledge of exactly what is there in the movie.” But he also questioned lack of support from the film fraternity when his film ‘Indu Sarkar’ was under attack.