Lakeerein: After Gadar 2 Gaurav Chopra takes a strong stand against marital rape, reveals why it's important to stir debates and discussions around the topic.

by Priya Jadhav

Gaurav Chopra is one actor who always has the knack of surprising the audience in an unexpected avatar. Just when you as an audience think that you have figured out his next move as an actor, he will always bring in that element of surprise to shock you in a positive way. Right now, the actor is enjoying a spree of successful projects and no wonder, his versatile performances have also simultaneously ensured that it rains awards for him this season. Basking in the glory of the success of his recent projects like Rana Naidu & Gadar 2, expectations are right now super high from his next project. 

Well, there's an element of surprise again. While many would have thought that after the gigantic success of Gadar 2, he would have chosen something 'commercial' for himself, he's actually done the unthinkable by being a part of a project that is extremely niche and important for the society. His upcoming movie Lakeerein is all set to release on 3rd November and the film deals with the very important subject of marital rape. In a recent post on social media, Gaurav shared the wonderful story of how he came on board for the film and also thanked the honourable Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel for releasing the trailer with her own hands. As the movie is just days away from his release, Gaurav shared his opinion and we quote,

"As actors, there are projects which you feel happy being a part of. Be it due to the cast of the director or other reasons, many projects give you happiness. However, Lakeerein is that one project that gives me pride. I can openly say it loud and clear that I am proud to be a part of a film like this. This is a subject which is extremely niche and no wonder, many people think multiple times before giving it a nod. However, for me, the most important thing is to be a part of those stories that are entertaining and also relevant for society. This is one project that is relevant for society. Everyone knows about marital rape and that it's a real thing. However, we are apparently too shy to even address the issue. Not just that, sadly, the ignorance about consent is so much that for many people, the words 'marriage' and 'rape' simply can't go hand-in-hand. This is perhaps the first time in our country where a mainstream film will be openly addressing an issue like this. It has been made with a lot of honesty and sincerity and I am confident, it will open up much-needed conversations. I am proud to be a part of this film..Every woman, man irrespective of gender must watch this. To tell you all a bit about my personal experience, I was shooting simultaneously for this movie and Sanjivani. My schedule was such that within 24 hours, I was shooting for the latter in Mumbai and then fly to Lucknow to shoot for Lakeerein straight from the airport. In Sanjivani, I play the most admirable and perhaps the best husband in the world. On the other hand, in Lakeerein, it is completely the exact opposite and guess what? Both totally poles apart characters within 24 hours. So, overall, it was a special and incredibly surreal experience overall. Fingers crossed and I'm looking forward."

Well, kudos to Gaurav for actually doing the unthinkable and choosing a project like this which is immensely relevant to society. Like it has been said earlier, expectations are high from his end and given the standards he has set for himself, he will certainly be living up to all of it.