The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday strongly objected to the Lav Kush Ramlila committee’s decision to cast actress Poonam Pandey as Mandodari, Ravana’s wife, in the upcoming religious event.
VHP’s Delhi region secretary Surendra Gupta, in a letter to the organisers, said, “Artists for Ramlilas should be selected not solely based on acting ability, but also with cultural appropriateness and the sentiments of devotees in mind. Mandodari is a very important character of the Ramayana as she is considered a symbol of virtue, dignity, restraint, and ideal wifely devotion. Therefore, the selection of the actress playing this role should be done with these ideals in mind.”
Mr. Gupta said Ms. Pandey’s public image and past controversies may “hurt devotees”, and the committee should reconsider its decision and select an actress with a traditional theatrical background or someone who is consistent with cultural expectations for the role of Mandodari.
The VHP leader clarified that he is not opposing any artist, but rather protecting the cultural legitimacy of public events related to sacred texts, such as the Ramayana, and the faith of devotees.
Reacting to VHP’s reservations, Arjun Kumar, president of the 45-year-old committee, 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.”
