Thappad team supports campaign against on-screen gender-based violence

Friday, 28 February 2020 15:03

The team of Thappad, including lead actress Taapsee Pannu and director Anubhav Sinha have extended their support to a petition asking for disclaimers to be added in Indian films that showcase domestic violence.

The petition started by Mahika Banerji for women’s rights organisation Breakthrough on Change.org has so far gathered more than 1.27 lakh signatures. Taapsee has shot a concept video to promote the campaign.

“Why don’t we have a disclaimer for ‘Thappad’ on-screen when we have one for alcohol consumption, smoking and animal cruelty?” the actress asks in the clip.

The petition seeks support from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in identifying scenes of violence and calling them out with warnings and disclaimers.

“I’m happy that our petition on warnings and disclaimers for on-screen gender-based violence has received an overwhelmingly positive response. We strongly believe that our efforts at bringing about lasting behavioural change through means of popular culture and community-based actions will play a crucial role in ending gender-based violence. I am happy film Thappad has taken the lead. We hope many more films to follow this practice,” Sohini Bhattacharya, President & CEO, Breakthrough, said in a statement.

The 32-year-old actor also took to social media to offer her support to the petition asking the CBFC to make it mandatory for movies depicting violence against women to carry disclaimers. “When most of our films are filled with misogynistic portrayals of women, films like Thappad trigger our collective conscience.

“Taapsee’s support for Mahika’s Change.org petition is a powerful statement for the Indian film industry to take responsibility for the right messaging on crucial issues that affect millions of women in our country every day,” Nida Hasan, country director, Change.org India, said.

More from Showbiz & Media

Derby DAB Licence Awarded

Ofcom has awarded the small-scale DAB multiplex licence for Derby to Derby DAB Limited, with Sunrise Radio and Sunrise Radio Gold set to broadcast on the new digital platform.
First song from O’Romeo reveals emotional core of upcoming love story

The first song from the upcoming film O’Romeo has been unveiled, offering a deeply emotional glimpse into the film’s intense and unrequited love story starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Announces ‘The Conversation 2026’ Literary Series

St Martin-in-the-Fields has announced the return of The Conversation for 2026, bringing leading writers and thinkers together to explore major social, political and environmental issues, opening with Ian McEwan.
Scottish Comedy Star Connor Burns’ Rise Continues

Scottish stand-up comedian Connor Burns has cemented his status as one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars, following sell-out success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and growing international acclaim.
Usha & Raj Parmar Spotlight UK Digital Radio Growth at WorldDAB Summit, Highlighting Their Role in Winning SSDAB Multiplex Licences

At the WorldDAB Summit in Antwerp on 20 November 2025, Usha Parmar and Raj Parmar delivered a high-impact presentation showcasing their leadership in DAB+ innovation and their pivotal involvement in securing Small-Scale DAB (SSDAB) multiplex licences across multiple UK regions.
Shah Rukh Khan Says Ra.One Was Ahead of Its Time, Open to a Sequel

Shah Rukh Khan reflected on his 2011 superhero film Ra.One, calling it ahead of its time and hinting at the possibility of a sequel if director Anubhav Sinha decides.
Shehnaaz Gill slams Rs 600 black alkaline water trend, says she’ll just wash her hair with it

Actress Shehnaaz Gill called out the celebrity wellness trend of expensive black alkaline water, saying drinking it did “nothing” — and joked she’d rather use it for her hair.
Bollywood in the UK: Three Major Films to Be Made in Britain from 2026

UK Prime Minister announces landmark Bollywood production deal — three blockbuster films will be shot in Britain as part of a new UK-India collaboration.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.