Poonam Pandey will no longer play the role of Mandodari in the Luv Kush Ramlila at Delhi’s Red Fort, the organisers announced on Tuesday. The decision comes after objections were raised by various political, religious, and social groups regarding her portrayal of the mythological character.
Committee President Arjun Kumar and General Secretary Subhash Goyal stated, “Poonam Pandey had initially agreed to portray Mandodari at the committee’s invitation. However, after her name was announced, several institutions and groups raised objections, which, according to the committee, could hinder the core purpose of the Ramlila — to spread the message of Lord Shri Ram to society.”
Earlier Pandey shared her reaction on Instagram, saying she was delighted to have the opportunity to play the important role of Mandodari, Ravana’s wife. She also stated that she would observe a Navratri fast to prepare spiritually and mentally for the role. She said, “Dilli ke Red Fort mein jo world-famous Lav Kush Ramlila ka play hota hai, usme mujhe, Mandodari, ek jo bahot hi important character hai, jo Raavan ki patni thi, unka kirdaar nibhane ka afsar mila hai. Main bahot hi zyada khush hoon. Bahot hi important character hai.”
The controversy intensified when the BJP and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) opposed Pandey’s involvement. Delhi BJP media cell head Pradeep Shankar Kapoor urged the organisers to reconsider, citing her controversial past and public image including her 2011 promise to strip if India won the ODI World Cup and the 2024 fake death announcement arguing that such acts could hurt the sentiments of devotees.
According to the VHP, the choice of actors in Ramayana based plays should depend not only on acting skills but also on cultural sensitivity. “The character of Mandodari represents virtue, dignity, restraint, and the ideal of devoted wifehood. Therefore, the selection of the artist for this role should reflect these ideals,” stated in a letter written to the organizers asking them to reconsider their decision.
The letter also said that Ramlila is more than just a show it’s a cultural and moral tradition, and actors should be chosen in a way that respects the beliefs of the devotees. “Our intention is not to oppose any artist personally, but to safeguard the cultural sanctity of public events associated with sacred texts like the Ramayana and preserve devotees’ faith,” Surendra Gupta, secretary of Indraprastha VHP said.
This year’s Lav Kush Ramlila, beginning September 22 at Red Fort, will also feature Arya Babbar as Ravan, Kinshuk Vaidya as Ram, Rini Arya as Sita, and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari as Parashurama.
