Poonam Pandey Dropped as Mandodari in Luv Kush Ramlila Amid Protests
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Actress Poonam Pandey was cast as Mandodari in the Luv Kush Ramlila being staged in Delhi. From the very beginning, the Sant Samaj had been opposing her portrayal of this role. Due to nationwide protests, the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee has decided that Poonam Pandey will no longer play this role. The role will now be played by another artist. The Luv Kush Ramlila Committee announced this in a statement on Tuesday.
Issuing a letter, they said that this decision has been taken after objections received from various sections of the society. Committee President Arjun Kumar and General Secretary Subhash Goyal said that Poonam Pandey had agreed to play the role of Mandodari on the invitation of the committee. But after the announcement of her name, objections came from many institutions and sections, which were creating obstacles in the objective of Ramleela - to convey the message of Lord Shri Ram to the society. After thorough discussion, the committee has unanimously decided that this year the role of Mandodari will be played by some other artist.
The committee wished Poonam Pandey a bright future and said she would understand the decision. Earlier on Tuesday, Mahamandaleshwar Computer Baba issued a strong statement in Indore, saying Poonam Pandey was unfit for the role. Computer Baba stated that Mandodari's character embodies ideals and dignity, while Poonam Pandey's image does not align with that purity. Speaking to the media, Computer Baba said, "Poonam Pandey is unfit to play Mandodari; she seems more suited to the role of Shurpanakha." He added sarcastically, "There are different characters in Ramlila. Someone is cast as Ram, Sita, or Ravana based on their image and personality. Therefore, if the characters are chosen contrary to their image, religious sentiments will be hurt."
Baba had demanded from the organizers that Poonam Pandey be given a different role than Mandodari, so as not to hurt the sentiments of the devotees. He also warned that if this decision was not reconsidered in time, the Sant Samaj would protest on a large scale. Regarding this entire matter, the Sant Samaj stated that the selection of characters in religious events should be done thoughtfully, as Ramlila is not merely entertainment but a staging of faith and ideals.