Padmavati: Protests in Gujarat, outside Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Mumbai office

More than 100,000 Rajputs gathered in poll-bound Gujarat’s capital Gandhinagar, while thousands took part in the protest march in Surat to demand a ban on Padmavati.

Members of Rajput community intensified their protests against Padmavati, holding demonstrations in Gujarat and outside the Mumbai office of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Sunday, demanding a ban on the film for allegedly distorting facts.

The ruling BJP appeared divided on the issue. Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi saidfilms should be watched as films and not for history or geography. But a Haryana minister asked for changes and another for a ban.

The film starring Deepika Padukone as Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji, is based on the legend of Rani Padmavati, a Hindu Rajput queen.

More than 100,000 Rajputs gathered in poll-bound Gujarat’s capital Gandhinagar, while thousands took part in the protest march in Surat to demand a ban on Padmavati.

The movie’s release is scheduled for December 1.

According to Mansinh Rathod, who is leading the Gujarat chapter of Karni Sena, a Rajput community group, Bhansali had distorted historical facts.

“We have learnt that there is a dream sequence in the movie wherein Rani Padmavati has been shown romancing Allaudin Khilji. We condemn such a heinous portrayal our queen. Karni Sena will never allow such movie to hit the theatres,” Rathod said.

Senior Karni Sena leaders, including founder Lokendrasinh Kalvi and national president Mahipalsinh Makrana, joined Gandhinagar protest.

Karni warned of violence if the film was released and said the government would be responsible for the law and order situation.

According to Virendrasinh Bhati of the Karni Sena, Bhansali had gone back on his promise to show the movie to the community to get a clearance first.

With the Gujarat assembly poll in December, protesters also warned the ruling BJP of “consequences”.

“If the Centre or state government fails to step in, the BJP may have to face the ire of the community during the Gujarat polls,” Rajput leader from Surat Yashwantsinh Vala said.

Recently, Gujarat BJP sent a letter to the Election Commission opposing the release of the film ahead of the election, saying the movie hurt the sentiments of the community.

A group of around 25 people protested outside Bhansali’s office in suburban Juhu. Police said they detained the protesters, but later released them.

 

Source : Hindustan Times