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Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) back in 2020, just days before her film 'Chhapaak' hit the theatres. Speaking in a recent interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, Agnihotri suggested that the actress may have been unaware of the political ramifications of her appearance and might have been following the advice of her publicity team.

Deepika had made headlines in January 2020 after she stood in silent solidarity with students protesting an attack on the JNU campus. While she didn’t make any statement, her presence alone sparked massive debate and was seen as a political stand. The move, many believed, overshadowed the narrative of 'Chhapaak', a film based on acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, and contributed to its modest performance at the box office.

"Deepika Padukone has no idea about JNU politics"

In the interview, Agnihotri remarked, “I can guarantee that Deepika had no idea about JNU politics when she went there.” He speculated that her decision to visit the campus was possibly shaped by PR advice, aimed at aligning her appearance with the politically charged theme of her film.

When asked if he implied Deepika lacked awareness, Agnihotri clarified, “It’s not about being dumb. Her PR must’ve told her that this is a good opportunity to promote your film, because the university is associated with politics, and the film is also political. If she had known, she wouldn’t have come.”

"Deepika Padukone is very smart"

Addressing the continued criticism the actress receives for her visit, Agnihotri added, “You play with fire, you get burned.” He reiterated that Deepika is far too intelligent to have willingly courted controversy. “I don’t know her personally, so I don’t know what ideology she aligns with. I do know that she is a very smart and intelligent woman. Had she known that this is a politically sensitive place and that it might impact her career, she would’ve definitely not gone. During film promotions, there are too many voices telling stars what to do and who to speak to. Her PR was mistaken, they thought it was an event. But it wasn’t an event. Bigger fish than her have been fried for getting involved in politics,” he said.

What Meghna Gulzar had said about Deepika visiting JNU

Reflecting on the fallout of her JNU visit, director Meghna Gulzar had admitted in an earlier conversation at the Indian Express Adda that the incident shifted the focus away from the core issue of acid violence.

“I am sure that answer is pretty obvious. Yes, it did make a dent on the film because the conversation went from acid violence which I intended the film to amplify… The conversation actually changed track and went somewhere else so of course it impacted the film. Of course there was an impact on the film. There is no denying that,” Meghna had said.