29 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has opened up about the controversy surrounding her portrayal in the Telugu film Peddi, admitting that she could have spoken up more strongly about the way her character was presented on screen. During her appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 9, Kapoor reflected on the criticism she faced and acknowledged that the film’s portrayal involved what she described as “extreme objectification.”
The actress said the controversy continues to weigh on her conscience, particularly because of the potential impact such portrayals can have on society and the representation of women in cinema. She also expressed regret that she had not used her position in the film industry to challenge the scenes more firmly during production.
Janhvi Kapoor Says She Could Have Done More
During the conversation, host Karan Johar asked Kapoor about the backlash surrounding Peddi. He pointed out that while some viewers sympathised with her over the sexualisation of her character, others questioned why she had not intervened while the film was being made.
Responding to the question, Kapoor said she had initially been hesitant to discuss the issue because many people had worked hard on the project. She also acknowledged that the criticism raised important questions about how female characters are represented in films.
Kapoor admitted that she could have been more vigilant and more forceful in expressing her concerns. She agreed that the portrayal was problematic and acknowledged that the narrative could be interpreted as normalising sexual assault.
The actress said she could not change what had already happened but could take responsibility for ensuring that she was more careful about similar situations in the future.
‘I Should Have Taken Advantage Of My Privilege’
Reflecting on her position in the entertainment industry, Kapoor said she recognised that her background and standing could have given her greater scope to challenge decisions on set.
“I do come from a place of privilege. I should have taken advantage of that,” she said during the conversation, explaining that she could have used her position to push back more firmly against the way her character was portrayed.
Kapoor added that she continued to feel a sense of shame about not doing more at the time. Her remarks highlighted the difficult questions actors may face when they disagree with creative decisions but also feel pressure to follow a director’s instructions.
She described the experience as violating and said she hoped the controversy would encourage filmmakers to reconsider how they present female leads on screen.
Actress Explains Challenges With Scripts and Camera Angles
Kapoor also discussed the practical challenges actors can face when trying to understand how a scene will ultimately appear in a finished film.
According to the actress, scripts do not always provide a complete picture of the camera angles and visual choices that will be used during filming. She noted that, in her experience working in South Indian cinema, detailed, bound scripts that specify such elements are not always available.
She explained that actors may have to rely on the director’s instructions while scenes are being shot, even when they have concerns about how a character is being portrayed. Kapoor said she had tried to make certain scenes less problematic as she became aware of how they were being handled, but later felt she should have pushed harder.
While acknowledging these challenges, she also made it clear that she did not want her explanation to be seen as shifting all the blame onto the filmmaker. Instead, she accepted that she could have taken a stronger stand.
What Sparked the Peddi Controversy?
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana and starring Ram Charan in the title role, Peddi features Kapoor as Achiyamma, the female lead. The film attracted criticism from some viewers over the way her character was introduced and portrayed.
Several scenes drew objections for focusing heavily on her physical appearance rather than developing her character. Another sequence prompted questions about consent, with viewers criticising the depiction of the male protagonist pursuing Achiyamma despite her lack of interest.
The controversy sparked a wider discussion about the difference between portraying a character as confident or attractive and presenting a woman in a way that audiences perceive as objectifying. It also raised questions about the responsibility shared by actors, directors and other members of a film’s creative team.
Following the criticism, director Buchi Babu Sana issued an apology, saying that the team had no intention of disrespecting or objectifying female characters. He acknowledged the concerns raised by viewers and said changes would be made to the portions in question.
Janhvi Hopes the Controversy Leads to Change
Looking back on the episode, Kapoor said she hoped the criticism would encourage filmmakers to think more carefully before presenting a female lead in a similar manner.
Her comments have renewed discussion about creative control, consent and accountability in filmmaking. The episode also highlights the importance of communication between actors and directors, particularly when scenes involve sensitive themes or could be interpreted in ways that differ from the original creative intention.
By acknowledging her own role in the controversy, Kapoor has made clear that she wants to learn from the experience. Whether the debate leads to broader changes in filmmaking practices remains to be seen, but her remarks have brought renewed attention to the responsibility of the industry to consider how women are represented on screen.