Poonam Pandey to play Mandodari in Ramleela; BJP, VHP say ‘no’

New Delhi: The decision of the popular Luv Kush Ramleela Committee in Delhi to cast model-actress Poonam Pandey as Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, has drawn sharp reactions, with both the BJP and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanding that she be replaced.

The controversy, which first gained traction on social media, has now moved into the political space.

Why are objections being raised?

Delhi BJP media cell head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, who also serves as the senior vice-president of the Luv Kush Ramleela Committee, wrote to the organisers on Saturday, urging them to reconsider their decision.

Earlier, the secretary of the VHP’s Delhi chapter, Prant Surendra Gupta, had also objected to Pandey being chosen for the role in the Ramleela, scheduled to begin on 22 September.

Calling the Luv Kush Ramleela one of the most famous in Delhi and across the country, Kapoor highlighted its “innovative presentation”, which attracts large crowds, particularly the youth.

On the committee’s choice of Pandey, Kapoor said, “Pandey has not only been off the screen for years but is also known for controversies over her photos and videos on social media.”

He urged the organisers to distance themselves from her participation.

How have the organisers responded?

Arjun Kumar, President of the Luv Kush Ramleela Committee, confirmed that Pandey’s role will appear on stage on 29 and 30 September. He added that the organisers remain open to discussions over the matter.

“We don't see anything wrong with a woman playing a character which represents goodness in the Ramleela. Everyone deserves a chance,” Kumar said.

He further explained that more than 500 performers will be involved in the enactment, and Pandey is just one among them.