Indian women face challenges head-on, says Manushi on ‘Padmavati’ row

Miss World Manushi Chhillar has said Indian women do not feel prosecuted and face challenges head-on even though there is a feeling that "our society is not very women friendly".

Manushi said this while expressing her views on the controversy over Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film "Padmavati", during a media interaction here on Monday.

"All Indian women have one thing in common... we don't feel prosecuted for who we are and actually face our challenges head-on. And I think that's what we need to do, we need to be confident about who we are," she said when asked for her take on the death threats Deepika Padukone is receiving.

"We will face a lot of limitations and sometimes we do feel that it is not a very women friendly society but as individuals, we should just set an example and make women feel confident that you can do amazing things as well," she added.

As part of the Miss World competition, contestants were supposed to perform dances from their respective countries.

Manushi chose to dance to Dhol Baaje song from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela. It was picturised on Deepika Padukone, the lead actress of Padmavati.

"All the girls used to dance to that song during rehearsal. I am happy that in a way, I could bring India in front of the world," said Manushi.

She was also asked if Bollywood is calling soon, to which she said: "I am really excited about travelling next year. We will be visiting four continents, and spreading awareness about menstrual hygiene. Bollywood is just something that is not on my mind as of now so I really can't say anything about it."

Manushi also said she loves to read books but would like to work with Aamir Khan, and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra is her favourite actress.

People in position shouldn't comment on Padmavati: SC

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to people holding official positions making adverse comments about the Hindi film Padmavati, saying these breached the principle of rule of law.

The court also said people in position of responsibility should not comment on the film as it may prejudice the censor board.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said: "We are governed by the rule of law.

"When the matter is pending before the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for grant of certificate, nobody holding a responsible position should comment as it would amount to violation of the principle of the rule of law."

The court also junked a petition by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma objecting to the offshore release of the film Padmavati.

Taking exception to Sharma's plea, the court said it was unwarranted.

Want to present a new aspect with each film: Parineeti Chopra

She is just six years old in Hindi filmdom and has been a part of nine films, mostly in different genres. And actress Parineeti Chopra says she prefers not to play repetitive characters.

"Audiences are keen to see a performance, as much as they like watching the stars and larger-than-life films. So being able to deliver in different genres and tackle a variety of roles has more value. Personally, for me, repeating myself at this stage of my career would just be uninspiring. I like to challenge myself and put out (present) a new shade (aspect) with each film," Parineeti told IANS.

She was last seen on screen in the comic entertainer "Golmaal Again", which minted over Rs 200 crore in India.

Does crossing these benchmarks matter to Parineeti?

"As an actor, you want to have a great body of work, but I would be lying if I said the Rs 100 crore benchmark doesn't matter. It matters to every actor. It just shows how audiences are accepting you, how much they love you. I'm loving the feeling that I have right now," she added.

Her next film project is Dibakar Banerjee's Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar.

Parineeti says Banerjee was always in the list of her "dream directors" ever since she started acting.

"I have always been really fortunate to work with amazing directors. Dibakar has been on my dream directors' list ever since I took up acting. Working with him has involved elaborate prep and very focused workshops. He has an exquisite eye for nuance and detail," said the actress.

"His characters make his movie stand out. I am thoroughly enjoying this process of shooting for the film with him," she said.

Parineeti will be seen as a fiercely ambitious girl in the film.