Padmavati: Gujarat politics or genuine social outrage

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 14

“Cine actress Deepika Padukone giving us lecture on regression! Nation can progress only when it is regression from her perspective, ” senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy fumed as lead actor of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’ expressed views on the raging controversy around the film.

“It’s absolutely appalling. What have we gotten ourselves into? And where have we reached as a nation? We have regressed,” Padukone was quoted as saying over violent protests sweeping Rajasthan.

While some leaders say the furore is a result of “legitimate outrage” of Rajputs over “misrepresentation of the legendry queen who is no less than a ‘devi’ for the community”, many believe otherwise. Had the Gujarat polls not been there, protests may not have escalated to this level, they say. “Even Jodha Akbar was not allowed to be screened in Rajasthan… when it (Padmavati) is released, it will be available to people in Rajasthan on TV. So what is the point?” they argue.

‘Padmavati’ starring Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh is scheduled to release on December 1. Though Bhansali maintained that all care had been taken to maintain “Rajput honour”, there is no effect on protesters.

While BJP has been upfront on its stance, the Congress also appears to be playing along with demands of special screening for community leaders to ascertain facts.

Shatriyas to protest

The All-India Shatriya Mahasabha said people of the community would hold a massive protest in New Delhi on November 19, demanding ban on Padmavati in Rajasthan