Deepika Padukone to star in and produce Meghna Gulzar’s next.
Deepika is all set to play the lead as an acid attack survivor - based on the story of Laxmi Agarwal.
Laxmi Agarwal was born in an Indian middle-class family in June 1990. At the tender age of 15, a 32 year old man along with his allies threw acid on her face – an incident that would change her life for ever. Her story was heard in many campaigns and she received global warmth for her bravery.
As of today, Laxmi is the director of Chhanv Foundation – a NGO dedicated to provide support for acid attack survivors in India. From starting a petition against this crime through gatherings and getting 27,000 signatures on the same, taking the cause to the Indian Supreme Court to receiving the 2014 International Women of Courage Award by US First Lady Michelle Obama – Laxmi has taken the entire world by a storm.
Indian Cinema’s deeply beloved face, Deepika Padukone was moved by Laxmi’s story to an extent which led her to not just play the lead in, but also produce a film based on Laxmi’s life. To Deepika, it is not just a story of violence and agony – but courage, strength and victory.
The film will be directed by Meghna Gulzar, whose last project ‘Raazi’ was a big hit. Padukone will be seen in the film after her last film ‘Padmaavat’ directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which was also a major crowd pleaser. This will be Deepika’s first production in the Indian cinema, and we can hardly wait. Watch this space for more updates.