Actor Deepika Padukone believes cinema is a powerful medium and no one can't deny its influence over society.
At a time when the influence of pop culture is under scanner, with Bollywood films and songs coming under the spotlight for romanticising stalking and normalising the lack of respect for a woman's consent, Deepika said cinema has an impact on people's thought process.
When asked whether it was the time for people to introspect what they put on screen, Deepika told reporters, "I can't speak for everybody. (But) You can't shy away from the fact that cinema does have an impact on youth, society, on the way we dress, the way we think. What everyone makes of that opportunity is for everyone to decide individually."
Director Meghna Gulzar said cinema has an extremely "critical role, because it is inspiring as well as influencing."
"I'm fortunate that my film 'Chhapaak' got Malti's face in Deepika. She shed her identity and embraced Malti's. Without her, what you see wouldn't have been possible."