Hansal Mehta credits Taapsee Pannu's 'Thappad' for inspiring a personal apology to his ex-wife

Hansal Mehta is known for expressing his thoughts on films openly through social media and personal blogs. When Taapsee Pannu's film 'Thappad' was released, he not only praised its narrative and message but also shared how deeply it affected him. In a blog post, he apologized to the women in his life, and recently, he elaborated on why he felt compelled to do so and why 'Thappad' holds such importance for him.
The Impact of 'Thappad'
The filmmaker recently shared his thoughts with The Indian Express, discussing how a film inspired him to reflect deeply. He confessed that it prompted him to express sentiments he might not have voiced otherwise. "I would have never said sorry to my ex-wife, but there I was. The film was very powerful and that’s what good films do to you," he noted.
A Personal Apology
While Hansal Mehta spoke extensively about the film and Anubhav Sinha’s perspective, he concluded by saying, “To all the women in my life. To my wife, my mother, my sister, my daughters, my ex-wife, my girlfriends, and all those that have been subjected to my societal conditioning, I know it is late. But better late than never. Sorry. Sorry if I have let my sense of entitlement stifle your growth."
He apologized for allowing patriarchal conditioning to make him insensitive to the needs of the women in his life and for any behavior that might have been hurtful. He expressed a commitment to change and suggested that he should be held accountable if he doesn't improve.
The Story of 'Thappad'
'Thappad' tells the story of a married couple whose life is turned upside down when Vikram Sabharwal (Pavail Gulati) is passed over for a promotion. His frustration culminates in a confrontation with his supervisor, and in a moment of rage, he slaps his wife (Taapsee Pannu) as she tries to calm him down. The movie delves into the intricate dynamics of respect, disrespect, marriage, and domestic abuse, highlighting how these issues are frequently overlooked due to the societal pressures placed on women.