Poonam Pandey dropped from Ramlila cast amid objections
Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium
Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only Benefits
Advertisement
Actress Poonam Pandey will not be playing Mandodari in this year’s Luv Kush Ramlila at the Red Fort grounds. The organising committee announced its decision on Tuesday after facing strong objections from various sections of society.
Committee president Arjun Kumar and General Secretary Subhash Goyal said Pandey had initially agreed to the role at their invitation, but her casting triggered protests from several institutions and groups. “After detailed deliberations, we unanimously decided that the role of Mandodari will now be played by another artiste,” the committee said, adding that while they wished Pandey well.
The matter gained political attention when Delhi BJP spokesperson and Luv Kush Ramlila senior vice president Praveen Shankar Kapoor wrote to the committee leadership, urging that Pandey not be cast. Kapoor later welcomed the decision, saying, “By removing Poonam Pandey from the role of Mandodari, the committee has respected the sentiments of the spiritual community and the public.”
He further praised the Luv Kush Ramlila for its efforts to preserve tradition while using modern technology to draw youth audiences. “It is one of the premier Ramlila productions in Delhi,” Kapoor said.
Advertisement
Advertisement