Laxmi Agarwal, Acid Attack Survivor Story: The Real Life Events That Inspired Deepika Padukone Starrer Chhapaak
The trailer of Deepika Padukone starrer Chhapaak has finally released, and the film is based on the story of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Laxmi was subjected to a brutal acid attack that shook the nation and made people notice the crimes against women in India. Read her inspiring story here
There has been a lot of excitement about Deepika Padukone starrer Chhapaak, right from the moment Deepika’s first look was revealed. Deepika Padukone, in this film, will be stepping in the shoes of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, and the trailer of the film has finally released. Laxmi was subjected to a brutal acid attack that shook the nation and made people notice the crimes against women in India. Her inspiring story, her courage and bravery in the face of adversity, has won many hearts. And before the film releases, we bring you Laxmi Agarwal’s real-life story.
Laxmi was born in Delhi and she was only 15 when she was subjected to an acid attack. A minor then, Laxmi was attacked in Delhi’s Khan Market after she rejected a man’s advances. She knew the man before the attack and was also friends with his sisters. On the day of the attack, she saw the man with his younger brother’s girlfriends waiting on a bike near her house. As she headed to the bus stop, she was accosted and they threw acid on her face. The brutal incident left her face and other body parts disfigured and she went through several surgeries after that, which eventually took a toll on her mental health. However, Laxmi was determined and she fought back. Not only did she manage to put the culprits behind bars, but she also gathered 27,000 signatures on a petition for a ban on the sale of acid, and also filed a PIL in 2006 seeking new law or amendment in the existing law, which deals with these offenses. ALSO READ: Chhapaak Trailer Twitter Reaction: Deepika Padukone As Malti Strikes The Right Chord; Makes Fans Teary-Eyed
Laxmi Agarwal was relentless and determined and it all paid off in 2013 after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Laxmi’s plea, as a fresh set of restrictions was created on the sale of acid. The new regulations were in place, under which acid could not be sold to any individual before the age of 18.
Laxmi Agarwal’s unbeatable spirit was an inspiration to many and she received International Woman of Courage award from Michelle Obama, in 2014. She also founded an NGO Chhanv Foundation which helps survivors of acid attacks. She is the founder of Stop Sale Acid and when she started this campaign with #StopSaleAcid, it garnered nationwide support. Her journey will soon be portrayed in Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak starring Deepika Padukone and Vikrant Massey, which is all set to release on January 10, 2020.
Image Source: Instagram/deepikapadukone/thelaxmiagarwal