Most actors agree that these days, doing publicity for a project is almost like doing another film altogether, considering how exhausting and aggressive these marketing campaigns tend to be. In the last month or so, Deepika Padukone has been relentlessly promoting Chhapaak, which is not just a film she stars in, but is also her production debut.
The promotions haven’t stopped even after the release of the film, instead, they have just gotten more problematic.
Recently, the actress met several TikTok influencers, and she challenged one of them to recreate ‘looks’ from her films. She said that three of her most favourite looks were from Om Shanti Om, Piku and Chhapaak. The influencer, Faby (TikTok user @faby_makeupartist), then went on to ‘recreate’ these looks by changing her hair and makeup.
Having done extensive research for her role and after working with several acid attack survivors, Deepika should know that these women go through countless surgeries after the attack. Their recovery is long and painful. Then, to call their scars a ‘look’ that can be recreated is extremely insensitive and demeaning.
Take a look at the TikTok challenge we are talking about.
And just when we thought that @deepikapadukone couldn’t mock Lakshmi anymore through her PR stunts in JNU she comes up with tick tok challenge on acid attack victims. Gross. pic.twitter.com/077Uz7hcEg
— Dr Smokiee (@SmokingSkills_) January 18, 2020
Once this clip made its way to Twitter and Instagram, many people pointed out the problems with this so-called challenge. The backlash has been increasing, with many calling it ‘sick’ and ‘disgusting’. Take a look at some of the reactions.
The problem with Deepika Padukone endorsing a makeup challenge on Chhapak is that she treated it as one of her “looks” and dismissed the entire trauma behind it. She proved that it was merely makeup for her & she clearly doesn’t understand the depth of what survivors go through.
— x (@krownnist) January 18, 2020
Honestly expected @deepikapadukone who has been through her own mental breakdowns to be more sensitive. But clearly..no.
You do a movie on a acid attack victim, cry in every other promotional event n now this below the belt challenge where a acid attack face is her fav! https://t.co/dwqqwDuD2q— Maya (@Sharanyashettyy) January 18, 2020
Carrying scars is not "a look" you sick @deepikapadukone pic.twitter.com/5db4x2ze2B
— shraddha 🌸 (@shradxy) January 18, 2020
Real colors are out. #DeepikaPadukone
Shame on you, woman !
You're an inspiration for so many, but you won't stop the epitome of your PR activities. 🙄
Your ulte din shuru. https://t.co/JuuRS2VHCn— Sonal.. (@HerLavishHustle) January 18, 2020
No @deepikapadukone.This promo isn't cool or cute. It's insensitive & ghastly.
The movie wasn't about you & your make up. It was about a woman scarred for life.And victims like her,whose marks can't be wiped off,unlike your make up.You lost the plot,alas. https://t.co/9Zt8XEmSqI
— Smita Barooah (@smitabarooah) January 18, 2020
It is rare that Bollywood tackles sensitive subjects with the dignity they deserve, and while Chhapaak has managed to do that to a certain extent, this recent misstep in its marketing has reiterated that there’s still a long way to go.
Deepika hasn’t responded to the criticism this challenge has been getting, so we can only hope that she realises why she’s being called out for it.
Featured Image: Instagram and Twitter
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