'I'll carry this shame forever': Janhvi Kapoor admits Peddi 'propagated sexual assault', takes 'ownership' of fiasco

Speaking to host Karan Johar on the latest episode of Koffee With Karan, Janhvi acknowledged her share of responsibility for the portrayal, which drew criticism for allegedly objectifying women.

The actor regretted not fully using her privileged position to speak out against the controversial scenes and challenge their depiction.

Janhvi Kapoor admits responsibility

Reflecting on the controversy, Janhvi said she had initially been apprehensive about discussing the issue because several people had worked hard on the film.

"I felt many things, Karan. The reason I was so apprehensive to talk about it was that many people worked hard on that film, and I really didn't know what to say or if there was anything really to even say because it's important that I take ownership from my half of…whatever that fiasco was because it weighs heavily on my conscience the sort of negative impact and a narrative like that can have on our society, specific to my gender," she said.

She added, "I think that shame I will always carry with me. Could have I done more? Could I have been more vigilant? Could I have made a bigger scene? A hundred per cent, yes. Was it problematic? Was it extreme objectification? Did it even propagate sexual assault narratively? Yes."

Actor says she will not repeat the mistake

Janhvi said she had gone along with the filming process without fully reconsidering the portrayal at the time.

She added that she would ensure she did not allow a similar situation to recur.

"The only thing that I can do is to ensure that it doesn't happen again. Again, I don't like saying this because it sounds like I am shifting blame but you know how it's like, 'Yes, whatever the director says, you have to be professional, you have to listen to the director,'" she said.

Explaining the challenges of navigating the filmmaking process, particularly in the South Indian film industry, Janhvi said scripts do not always provide a complete picture of how scenes will be shot.

"So, I was really navigating how to make things less problematic as best I thought, as and when information was becoming available to me, because in the South, there's very rarely a bound script, and very rarely in those scripts you see, where the camera angles are but having said that I also need to take responsibility for my half of it," the 29-year-old added.

Janhvi reflects on her privileged position

Janhvi also acknowledged that her privileged position in the industry could have enabled her to raise concerns more firmly.

"I do come from a place of privilege, I should have taken advantage of that because I am going to get the sh*t for being privilege anyway. So, I might as well may have leveraged it," she said.

Director apologises amid backlash

Director Buchi Babu Sana had earlier apologised following the backlash over the film's portrayal and edited some portions of it.

Janhvi, daughter of late Bollywood icon Sridevi, appeared alongside actor Varun Dhawan in the third episode of the ninth and final season of Koffee With Karan.

The episode was streamed on Wednesday.