In a recent revelation that sheds light on the dark side of fame, Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor recalled a troubling incident from her adolescence. The ‘Dhadak’ star, now gearing up for the release of her upcoming film ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ alongside Rajkummar Rao, shared her experience during a candid conversation on Dharma Productions’ YouTube channel, which was moderated by producer Karan Johar.
Reflecting on a painful chapter of her life, Janhvi recounted how she felt sexualised by the media when she was just 12 or 13 years old. “The first time I felt sexualised by the media, I think I was 12-13 years old. I went for an event with Mom and Dad and there were pictures of me online. Instagram and social media had just started to boom, and I found pictures of me on what seemed like a pornographic site,” she said. This unsettling discovery was compounded by the reaction of her schoolmates, with boys looking at the images and laughing.
As the conversation delved deeper into the issue, Janhvi explained the long-lasting impact such incidents have had on her. “It is a very weird thing to navigate, and I have been navigating it for a very long time. I think I am very apologetic about where I come from and I need to get over that. I am sure other people deal with it in a much different sense. I still think the way I am explaining it and my experiences of it are very privileged. But it was complicated…” The young actress articulated the internal conflict she faced, touching upon the societal judgment cast on girls who are perceived as being comfortable with their sexuality. “There is a sort of character assassination that a girl faces when she dresses in a way that makes it seem like she is comfortable with her sexuality,” she added.
Janhvi’s reflections come at a time when she is poised to showcase her talent in new projects. Her upcoming film ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ is expected to be a striking blend of cricket, drama, and love, directed by Sharan Sharma, who is known for his previous work on ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’.
. The film is slated for a theatrical release on May 31.
In addition to ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi,’ Janhvi has another significant project lined up. She will be seen in ‘Ulajh,’ a patriotic thriller film directed by National Award winner Sudhanshu Saria. This project, produced by Junglee Pictures, promises to capture the intricate journey of a young Indian Foreign Service officer. Set in the backdrop of national service, the plot unfolds as the officer, played by Janhvi, gets embroiled in a dangerous personal conspiracy. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathew, known for their commendable work in ‘The Poacher.’ The cast also features notable actors Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang, Sachin Khedekar, Rajendra Gupta, and Jitendra Joshi in pivotal roles.
The revelations about her past underscore the challenges that come with growing up in the limelight, especially for young female celebrities. The incident highlights the early onset of media scrutiny that many star kids are subjected to, forcing them to deal with issues of sexualisation and character judgment even before they have the maturity to fully comprehend or process these experiences. Janhvi’s candid conversation with Karan Johar is a poignant reminder of the darker sides of fame and the kinds of moral and psychological battles young stars often face away from the glamour and glitz.
Janhvi’s experiences mirror those of many young celebrities who find themselves thrust into the public eye at a tender age, navigating both fame and personal growth under the critical gaze of society. Her willingness to share such personal and painful memories invites a broader dialogue about the ethical responsibilities of media and the impact of invasive public scrutiny on young lives.
In conclusion, as Janhvi Kapoor continues to make her mark in Bollywood with promising new projects, her reflections provide an insightful look into the personal costs of early fame. The actress’s candidness not only shines a light on her resilience but also raises significant questions about the boundaries of media freedom and the protection of young artists in the entertainment industry. As audiences eagerly await her forthcoming films, Janhvi’s revelation reminds us of the human side of the celebrities we admire and the importance of empathy and respect in our interactions with them.
