Deepika to produce and star in a biopic on acid attack survivor

Bollywood’s reigning queen Deepika Padukone, who was most recently seen in Padmaavat (2018), is set to turn producer with an upcoming Hindi film which will be based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal.

Apart from bankrolling the project, Padukone will also play the protagonist in it. Renowned filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, whose last directorial venture Raazi (2018) hit the home run at the box-office recently, has come onboard to helm the movie.

“When I heard this story, I was deeply moved as it’s not just one of violence but of strength and courage, hope and victory. It made such an impact on me that personally and creatively, I needed to go beyond and so the decision to turn producer,” Padukone said.

Laxmi Agarwal was just 15 when a 32-year-old man had attacked her with acid, simply because she had turned down his proposal for marriage. After that incident, Laxmi has been advocating against acid attacks. She has also collected more than 27000 signatures for a petition to check the sale of acids in India. Agarwal also runs an NGO called Chhanv Foundation and has been awarded the 2014 International Women of Courage award by former US First Lady Michelle Obama.

The yet-to-be-titled film on her life is expected to roll in February next year.