Deepika Padukone champions their cause, meet real life acid attack…

Muzzafarnagar’s Rupa faced the acid attack inside her own home – her step mother-in-law attacked her and even her father did not stand with her or save her.

Deepika Padukone’s latest release Chhapaak salutes the spirit of those like Rupa who fight all odds with little support and emerge winners, even after having faced acid attacks. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Chhapaak is the story of acid attack survivor Malti (essayed by Deepika) who reclaims her life. Chhapaak is loosely based on Delhi’s Laxmi Aggarwal and also features Vikrant Massey.

We profile few of those champions who not only braved the social stigma in a comparatively less-privileged environment of our smaller towns and cities.

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Rupa was attacked in 2005 and has been associated with groups supporting and helping women who have faced similar attacks. “I only had my uncle for support. He stood with me throughout,” Rupa says. After staying inside the house for almost nine years, covering her face even from her own family members, Rupa found support in a group of women and began stepping out. She is now an independent woman, earning for herself and takes pride in her face. “I have realised this is my identity now. I am not ashamed of my face anymore,” she says.