- By Akansha Pandey
- Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:23 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Following widespread backlash from religious and political groups, the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee has withdrawn its decision to cast actress Poonam Pandey in the role of Mandodari for its upcoming production in Delhi.
The organisers announced their decision at a press conference in the capital, stating they did not wish to hurt anyone's religious sentiments. The move came after the committee received constant objections ever since the initial casting news was released. After detailed deliberations, the committee unanimously decided to cast another artist for the role.
The opposition was led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the sant samaj (community of saints), with the BJP and other Delhi Ramlila committees also voicing their disapproval. VHP's national spokesperson, Vinod Bansal, had called the casting an "insult to Hinduism," arguing that Poonam Pandey's controversial public image was unsuitable for portraying a sacred character like Mandodari. This sentiment was echoed by religious leaders, who stated that artists with controversial personas should not be part of a religious event like the Ramlila, according to the HT.
#WATCH | Delhi: Actor Poonam Pandey will not play Mandodari in the Ramlila organised by the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee
— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2025
Arjun Kumar, president of Luv Kush Ramlila Committee, says, "Public sentiments within the country have been taken into account. The Ramlila isn't meant to be… pic.twitter.com/vTvt3ZVNLB
The reversal comes shortly after Pandey had announced on her Instagram that she was looking forward to playing the part. In a video message, she had stated her intention to fast for all nine days of Navratri to "cleanse herself" in preparation for the role.
Although some people were in favor of this, a large number were also expressing their opposition. There was also a difference of opinion on this matter within the Ramlila committee itself. The president of the Luv Kush Committee, Arjun Kumar, had fully supported the decision. However, seeing the opposition from the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) and the saints, the process to finalise the withdrawal of this decision has been accelerated.