The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has objected to Poonam Pandey portraying Mandodari, Ravan’s wife, in Delhi’s UNESCO recognised Ramlila. The organisation cited her controversial past and public image, including stunts like her 2011 promise to strip if India won the ODI World Cup and the 2024 fake death announcement, claiming such acts could hurt devotees sentiments.
Surendra Gupta, secretary of Indraprastha VHP, wrote to the organisers asking them to reconsider their decision. In his letter, he stressed that Ramlila is not just theatre, but a cultural tradition recognised by UNESCO, and carries deep moral and religious value.
According to the VHP, the choice of actors in Ramayana-based plays should depend not only on acting skills but also on cultural sensitivity. He argued that the role reflects these values, and that Pandey’s controversial history is not appropriate for such a moral and traditional character. “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,” it said in the letter.
The letter also stated that Ramlila is not merely a form of entertainment, but a cultural and ethical institution, and that casting decisions should respect the faith of 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,” Gupta said.
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Reacting to the VHP’s objections, Arjun Kumar, president of the 45-year-old Lav Kush Ramlila Committee, defended the decision to cast Poonam Pandey. He said: “Even if the actress had a controversial past and society gives at least one chance to a man to improve, why not have the same stance for a woman.”
Kumar questioned the double standards, pointing out that if a former dacoit can become an MP and film stars can be spiritual leaders, then an actor like Pandey should also be allowed to play a mythological role.
“We talk about women empowerment and then also object when women excel,” said Mr. Kumar.
He added that Pandey’s participation could even send a positive message: “If Ms. Pandey is playing this role, that requires her to obey the culture, the same will reach her millions of followers and will also help them in understanding and respecting our culture,” he added.
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. Pandey, who said she is happy to be part of the production, will be playing Mandodari, Ravan’s wife.
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