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Key Points

The Luv Kush Ramlila Committee has decided to drop Poonam Pandey from the role of Mandodari. This decision came after various groups raised objections to her casting. The committee felt her controversial public image could hinder the religious message of the Ramlila. Another artist will now perform the role at the Red Fort event.

Key Points: Poonam Pandey Dropped from Mandodari Role in Luv Kush Ramlila

  • Committee reversed its decision following objections from groups like the VHP
  • Poonam Pandey's controversial public image was deemed unsuitable for the role
  • The actress had planned a nine-day fast to prepare for playing Mandodari
  • The role will now be performed by a different, unnamed artist this year
3 min read

Poonam Pandey dropped from Mandodari's role in Ramleela, announces Luv Kush Ramlila Committee

Luv Kush Ramlila Committee removes Poonam Pandey as Mandodari after public objections, citing her controversial image as unsuitable for the religious event.

"I am very excited and very happy. - Poonam Pandey"

Mumbai, Sep 23

Actress Poonam Pandey will no longer be a part of the world-famous Luv Kush Ramlila to be held at the Red Fort grounds in Delhi this year.

The actress was earlier supposed to essay the role of Mandodari, Raavan’s wife. The committee announced this decision after receiving objections from various sections of society. Committee President Arjun Kumar and General Secretary Subhash Goyal stated that 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. According to the committee, her playing Mandodari could hinder the core purpose of the Ramlila, which is to spread the message of Lord Shri Ram to society. Therefore, the committee unanimously decided that the role of Mandodari will instead be performed by another artist this year.

The committee further extended best wishes for Poonam Pandey’s future and expressed hope that she would understand and accept this decision.

On the 22nd of September, Poonam had shared a video talking about her participation in the Luv Kush Ram Leela this year.

In the clip, Poonam was heard saying, "In Delhi's Red Fort, the world-famous Love Kush Ram Leela, I am getting an opportunity to play the role of Mandodari. I am very excited and very happy.” Poonam, highlighting the importance of the role, said, “Mandodari is a very important role, a very important character. Mandodari was Ravan's wife. I am looking forward to playing this beautiful character.”

She also shared that she will be fasting for nine days to keep her mind and body clean. “I have also decided that, since Navratri starts tomorrow, I am planning to fast for 9 days so that my body and mind remain more cleansed, and I can play this beautiful character well. Jai Shri Ram,” she revealed. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), earlier last week, had objected to Poonam Pandey portraying Mandodari, Raavan's wife in the Ramleela.

The organisation claimed her controversial public image was objectionable due to her stunts, like the 2011 promise to strip if India won the ODI World Cup and the 2024 fake death announcement, claiming that such acts could hurt the sentiments of devotees.

This year's Ramleela, beginning on September 22 at the Red Fort, will feature actors such as Arya Babbar as Ravan, Kinshuk Vaidya as Ram, Rini Arya as Sita, and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari as Parashurama.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the committee's decision, I feel bad for Poonam. She seemed genuinely excited and was even planning to fast for Navratri. People should be given chances to reform. 🤔
A
Arjun K
Good move by the committee. Ramlila characters need to be played by artists who command respect. Mandodari was a pious character in Ramayana - the casting should reflect that dignity.
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Sarah B
As someone who has attended Ramlila in Delhi before, I think the committee could have handled this better. Announcing her casting and then dropping her creates unnecessary drama. The initial selection process should have been more careful.
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Vikram M
Jai Shri Ram! The committee has protected the sanctity of our religious traditions. Ramlila is about devotion, not controversy. Looking forward to attending with my family this year. 🎭
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Nisha Z
Mixed feelings about this. While I understand the concerns, I hope this doesn't become a pattern where artists are judged solely by their past. The focus should be on their current intent and dedication to the role.

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