Phule: Who Was Savitribai Phule? Meet Trailblazing Educator and Social Reformer Who Inspired Patralekhaa’s Fierce Role

Phule, which depicts the work of social reformers and educators Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule, has been postponed from its initial release date. The action was taken in response to complaints from several Brahmin groups who claim the movie portrays them negatively. Here is a closer look at Patralekhaa's portrayal, which was inspired by Savitribai Phule, as the film approaches its revised release date.

Phule movie will see Patralekhaa take on the role of Savitribai Phule, while Pratik Gandhi will play Jyotirao Phule. The movie seeks to highlight the Phules' remarkable journey, their groundbreaking contributions to women's education, and their struggle against societal injustice.

(Image: Patralekhaa/Instagram)

Also Read - Phule: Pratik Gandhi And Patralekhaa's Movie About Caste System Postponed Hours Before Release; Check Cast, Plot And New Date

Who Was Savitribai Phule?

Savitribai Phule, born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon, which is today in Maharashtra, passed away on March 10, 1897. She was an early proponent of women's education in India and a social reformer. Savitribai Phule to Poona to live with Jyotirao Phule after getting married to him at the age of nine, as was customary at the time.

One of the first female educators in India, Savitribai Phule, founded multiple schools for females alongside her husband, Jyotirao Phule. She is frequently mentioned as an example of feminism and women's empowerment in India.

(Image: Patralekhaa/Instagram)

Savitribai Phule established a widows' refuge in 1854; in 1856, laws permitting Hindu widows to remarry were passed. She constructed a larger shelter in 1864 and educated them for widows, poor women, and child brides who had been abandoned by their families.

Savitribai Phule also opposed infanticide, child marriage, and sati, which was outlawed in 1829 but was still common during her time. For the unversed, sati is the custom of a widow burning herself alive on her husband's pyre.

The common village well was off limits to lower castes, so Savitribai Phule and her husband dug a well in their backyard for them. This action created a commotion at the time as well.

In fact, the couple adopted Yashwant Rao, the son of a Brahmin widow who gave birth at their shelter in 1874. He went on to become a doctor.

Patralekhaa On Playing Savitribai Phule

The director was very clear that she shouldn't try studying Marathi because he wanted to produce the movie entirely in Hindi, Patralekhaa revealed in a recent interview when asked about her preparation for the role.

(Image: Patralekhaa/Instagram)

"That decision actually lifted a huge burden off my shoulders because learning a new language or accent is challenging. When you focus on language, you start thinking while speaking, which can affect your performance. Instead of naturally reacting, you end up processing. So, that made it easier. We did a lot of script readings, just like most actors do sitting with the director and cast members. I read with Pratik and the rest of the team. But in terms of research, it was mostly personal. I think each of us did our own research."

"Savitribai Phule is such a significant historical figure, and her contributions are widely documented, so there was a vast amount of material available."

Also Read - Savitribai Phule 128th Death Anniversary: 10 Inspirational Quotes By India's First Female Teacher