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Key Points

The Delhi BJP has strongly condemned the Lav Kush Ramleela Committee's decision to cast Poonam Pandey as Mandodari in their performance. Praveen Shankar Kapoor, the BJP's media head, has written a letter requesting the committee to revoke her casting, citing her history of controversial actions. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad supports this stance, arguing that her selection undermines the dignity of the traditional religious performance. Pandey's past provocative stunts, including her false death announcement and World Cup stripping pledge, have further fueled the opposition to her role.

Key Points: Delhi BJP Demands Poonam Pandey Removal from Ramleela Cast

  • BJP criticizes Poonam Pandey's casting as inappropriate for traditional Ramleela performance
  • VHP supports removal citing cultural sensitivity
  • Controversial actress known for provocative social media stunts
  • Ramleela Committee faces pressure to reconsider their decision
2 min read

Organizers of Lav Kush Ramleela must revoke their decision to cast Poonam Pandey: Delhi BJP

BJP and VHP condemn Poonam Pandey's casting as Mandodari in Delhi's Lav Kush Ramleela, citing controversial background

"The model Poonam Pandey has never portrayed any positive role in films - Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Delhi BJP Media Head"

New Delhi, Sep 20

A new controversy has erupted after the famous Luv Kush Ramleela Committee in Delhi signed model-actress Poonam Pandey to play 'Mandodari', Ravana's wife, with the ruling dispensation in the capital, the BJP and VHP condemning this decision.

In a media statement, Praveen Shankar Kapoor, media head of the Delhi BJP unit and senior Vice President of the Lav Kush Ramleela Committee, "has strongly condemned the committee's decision to cast controversial model Poonam Pandey in the role of Mandodari in the Ramleela."

Kapoor has written to Arjun Kumar (President) and Subhash Goyal (Secretary) of the Lav Kush Ramleela Committee, expressing his opposition to the inclusion of Poonam Pandey in the Ramleela cast.

In his letter, he stated, "The model Poonam Pandey has never portrayed any positive role in films and is known primarily for spreading obscenity and vulgarity on social media. She is only recognised for her controversial actions."

He told the senior office-bearers of the Ramleela Committee that assigning a role to Poonam Pandey does not align with the dignity and ethos of the Lav Kush Ramleela.

The letter further states that the Delhi branch of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has also condemned the casting of Poonam Pandey, and this decision has deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. "Therefore, the organisers of the Lav Kush Ramleela must revoke this decision," the letter said.

It is pertinent to note here that Poonam Pandey is not new to controversies.

Back in 2011, she announced that she would strip if Indian won the 2011 World Cup.

Similarly, in 2024, her team falsely announced her death due to cervical cancer, which became a social media sensation, but later revealed that it was just a stunt to raise awareness about the disease, which was later condemned by the public, and she had to face a lot of criticism.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While I understand the concerns, maybe we should give people a chance to reform? But honestly, her past controversies make it difficult to accept her in such a pious role.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has attended Ramleela for years, this casting feels disrespectful to the tradition. There are so many talented theater artists who deserve this opportunity instead.
A
Arun Y
This is pure publicity stunt by organizers. They know Poonam Pandey brings controversy and media attention. But Ramleela should be about devotion, not TRP ratings!
N
Nikhil C
The fake death stunt earlier this year was enough to show her character. How can such a person portray Mandodari? Organizers should immediately reconsider.
M
Michael C
While I respect religious sentiments, I wonder if this is more about politics than actual devotion. The BJP seems to be making this a bigger issue than necessary.
K
Kavya N
My family has been watching Ramleela for generations. Please don't spoil this sacred tradition with controversial casting. There are boundaries that shouldn't be crossed.

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