The invite by one of the oldest Ramlila committees in Delhi to actor Poonam Pandey to play Ravan’s wife has sparked a row with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) saying that the decision can hurt cultural and religious sentiments.
However, raising strong objections, the VHP urged the committee to reconsider its decision.
Due to Pandey’s involvement in controversies in the past, her casting may lead to confusion or resentment among devotees, it said. VHP’s provincial minister Surendra Gupta wrote in a letter to the commitee, “Ramleela is not just a theatrical performance but a living embodiment of Indian values and traditions…The organisation insists that casting for Ramayana-based productions should not be based solely on acting ability, but must also consider cultural appropriateness and the sentiments of devotees.”
Gupta said, “Our intention is not to personally oppose any artist, but to uphold the cultural sanctity and the faith of devotees associated with sacred epics like the Ramayana.”
Mandodari, Gupta said, symbolises virtue, dignity, restraint, and the ideal of a devoted wife. “Therefore, the selection of an actress for this role should reflect these ideals,” he added.
The VHP has also suggested that the committee reconsider the decision and select an actor with a traditional theatre background or one whose public conduct aligns with cultural expectations.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Arjun Kumar, President, Luv Kush Ramlila Committee, said, “We talk about eliminating evil from the world. An actor is playing the role of Ravan (Arya Babbar), and if Poonam Pandey plays his wife, Mandodri, then what is wrong in that? Right now, she is known only for her bold acting and character, so we hope that through this stage, a message will go to her followers that she has changed. There should be change, evil should end and good should prevail,”
Pandey had earlier thanked the committee in a post for inviting her to participate in the event.
