The first look of
Deepika Padukone starrer Chhapaak based on the story of an acid attack survivor
released today and it took everyone’s breath away. Deepika Padukone tweeted the
first look on micro blogging site Twitter with the caption "A character that will stay with me forever...
Malti. Shoot begins today! Chhapaak!"
The
director of Chhapaak Meghna Gulzar also spoke out about Malti, the lead
character played by Deepika Padukone. She said "She is courage. She is
hope. She is Deepika Padukone as Malti in Chhapaak. Shoot begins
today."
The
real woman on whom the story is based
Chhapaak
already promises to be a beautiful movie. It is based on the phenomenal story
of a real life acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Laxmi Agarwal is in herself
a phenomenal woman who is so much more than an acid attack survivor. She is a
social activist and an acid attack campaigner who was a force behind bringing
about restrictions on the sale of acid, she is a TV show host, she is a single
mother of a lovely daughter, and she is a fighter and a champion.
This is a woman who
broke all boundaries imposed by the society. At the age of fifteen when a
thirty two year old man stalked even when she repeatedly refused his advances
she did not shut herself down. When the same man threw acid on her, he burnt
her skin but could not even touch her spirits. She struggled for weeks in the
hospital and survived. When she finally fell in love, she and her partner
refused to follow societal norms and get married and chose to stay in a live in
relationship. When they parted ways, she refused to play the victim and chose
to bring up her daughter single -handedly.
A True
Champion
She
is an active campaigner for the rights of any acid attack survivor. She was
honored by the then First Lady of America Michelle Obama with the prestigious International Women of Courage Award. Her
selfless struggle for justice is inspirational.
A challenge perfect for
Deepika Padukone
Chhapaak is a movie
based on a great woman and Deepika Padukone looks all set to portray her
struggles. There is not an ounce of doubt that Deepika Padukone is a phenomenal
actress. This is her first project after marriage and she is all set to stun
us.
Conclusion
Capturing the
emotions and struggles of an acid attack survivor is no easy feat but if anyone
is up to the task then it is Deepika Padukone. The first look in itself is a
testament to the fact. Even in a still shot, the great actress manages to put
forth a story.
