The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has expressed strong objections to Poonam Pandey being cast as Mandodari, the wife of Ravan, in a performance of Ramlila in Delhi that has received UNESCO recognition.
Poonam Pandey is well-known for her controversial statements and deeds, including a past incident where she claimed she would strip in support of the Indian cricket team. More recently, she faced backlash for incorrectly announcing that she had cervical cancer.
The Luv Kush Ramlila, performed at the Red Fort, is a highly regarded retelling of the Ramayana that takes place every year during the Dussehra festival.
In a letter to the organizers, VHP’s Delhi Secretary Surendra Gupta emphasized that the selection of performers for Ramlilas should not just focus on acting skills, but also consider cultural context and the feelings of the audience. He stated, “Mandodari is a crucial character in the Ramayana, symbolizing virtue and devotion. The actress chosen for this role should reflect these important values.”
