For centuries, Queen Padmavati remained dormant in the annals of history. Those that like to claim and own her have done precious little to elevate her heroism for public admiration. There are no monuments or other visible edifices that revive her glorious past. At least Sanjay Leela Bhansali tried to bring her in the eyes of the Indian public. The violent resentment with threats and intimidation of physical harm are absolutely misplaced. Other than protests what are plans afoot to give her the credit that has eluded her for centuries? We appear to be hypocritical as far as gender bias is concerned. Girl children are destroyed in the womb by their own mothers under pressure. Sex determination is done to eliminate the girl child. Child marriages are so inhuman to the girl. Neglect of girl, discrimination leads to early infant mortality. Harassment of women for dowry and deaths are a common phenomenon. Violence against women, sexual crimes, rapes against even innocent children, trafficking of women including minors is disturbing. Selective bias against women employment, unequal remuneration shows our attitudinal discomfort. Inheritance laws are heavily loaded against women for equal rights as citizens. After marriage they are dominated by the male members of the family. It is a sad commentary about women empowerment. If Padmavati, the queen is to be honoured, recognized, respected as a female, then attitudes of males must undergo sea change. All the violence, destruction and hangama in honour of Queen Padmavati appears ludicrous, publicity seeking, self-serving and an exercise in futility. The action is grossly disproportionate. Film is not the same as documentary. Bring out a documentary to project her rightly. In the meantime, boycott the film, which the protesters have not even seen.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
