Much has been said and written about a leading newspaper's recent 'news' about Deepika Padukone's cleavage and the Bollywood actress' Twitter reaction about the same. Many came to Deepika's defence while others accused her of double standards. Now the actress has taken matters into her own hands and silenced her detractors with a strong response.

When an actresses inner wear decides to do a "peek-a-boo",she most definitely did not step out with the intention to do so. So instead of zooming in, circling it and pointing arrows at it,why don't we give her some 'respect' and let it go instead of making it 'headlines'!? Are we not human?Yes we marvel,envy and drool over a male actors 8pack abs in a film,but do we zoom in on the mans 'crotch' when he makes a public appearance and make that 'cheap headlines'??!!

I have no issue celebrating my body and I have never shied away from anything on-screen to portray a character. In fact my next character portrayed is a bar dancer (sorry Farah for the spoiler!) who titillates men as a means to support her livelihood. My issue is you propagating the objectification of a REAL person, and not a character being played. Sure, dissect my characters if you wish-if it is of so much interest then discuss the character’s cup size and leg length if it is relevant to making the role convincing. All I am asking for is respect as a woman off-screen.

It is not about breasts, penises, or any other body part being reported. It is a matter of context and how out-of-context the reportage is just to sell a headline. And more so during a time in dire need of an attitude shift towards women.

For me this topic ends here. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.I have little interest to take this further as it might get more attention than it deserves and might be further misconstrued and twisted to sell more undeserved headlines.

Having said that,please may we show love, dignity and respect to each other.

Live well, laugh often and love much.

Deepika Padukone