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'Chhapaak' was a difficult film to make, emotionally and logistically: Meghna Gulzar talks about what went behind Laxmi Agarwal's story

Deepika Padukone, along with her director Meghna Gulzar and co-star Vikrant Massey, launched the trailer of her upcoming film Chhapaak today. Producers Govind Sandhu and Vijay Singh were also present at the event. The film based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Deepika plays Laxmi Agarwal who is named Malti in the film while Vikrant essays the role of her boyfriend. Today, at the trailer launch event, filmmaker Meghna spoke about the use of acid, why she made the film, it's impact and what hashtag #AbLadnaHai means.

Meghna mentioned that Chhapaak is not a women-centric film. She said, "Please don't call Chhappak a woman-centric film. Yes, my films do have strong female characters but the male characters are very important as well. I set out to tell a story and we can't narrow it down."

She also said that Chhapaak was a difficult film to make, emotionally and logistically. “This is an opportunity, a very delicate opportunity. This is a story that has been with me for a couple of years, and today I am showcasing it on World Human Rights Day. Given the environment in our country, for women, this story becomes even more important. I am grateful that Deepika Padukone agreed to be Malti’s face. She has left her glamorous side behind, and given her heart to Malti. I am grateful to Fox for backing the film. This was a difficult film to make, emotionally and logistically,” said the director.

When asked about why acid is not banned even today, Meghna said this:

Recommended Read: Watch: Deepika Padukone breaks down into tears as she launches the trailer of 'Chhapaak', says 'it's not often we come across a story like this'

On the film's hashtag, #AbLadnaHai, Meghna said that it is applicable for both men and women. 

On launching the trailer on International Human Rights Day, Meghna said, "I don't think that there could have been any other better day to launch this trailer". Watch the full video here: 

Chhapaak is co-produced by Deepika and Meghna in collaboration with Fox Star Studios. The film is scheduled for release on January 10, 2020. 

(Source: PeepingMoon)

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