Rajput youth organisation Sri Rajput Karni Sena at a press conference here on Wednesday reiterated its stand against the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati , saying that it will continue it protests until the director relents. The members accused the film of being “deeply hurtful and provocative” and raised questions over the film’s “distortion of facts and misrepresentation of history”.
‘Tampering with facts’
“ Bahubali was based on Rajput history and went on to create a world record and we didn’t raise any objections. We did not object to the film Jodha Akbar either. But this film is tampering with historical facts and presenting a distorted picture to the world. It cannot be screened at any cost. It must be scrapped for the sake of the country,” said Lokendra Singh Kalvi, a member of the organisation.
The representatives have claimed the support of BJP and Congress in stopping the release of the film. The members further accused Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh of making provocative statements about the film’s “sure release” saying that they are not to decide at the cost of “the sentiments of millions of people”.
Dignity of community
According to the Karni Sena, Mr. Bhansali had assured them in writing that he would pre-screen the trailer and the film for Rajput organisations but failed to do so.
“We demand that the film be screened for Mewar royalty and if we find nothing offensive in Mr. Bhansali’s depiction of Rajput community, we will withdraw our protests. People who have been shown the film are not entitled to speak for the rest of us,” Mr. Kalvi said.
The representatives further added that the film did not raise a finger merely on the “dignity and honour of Rajputs” but on Muslims who have come out against the misrepresentation of Alauddin Khilji.
“The romantic relationship that has been portrayed between Alauddin Khilji and Rani Padmavati is the main source of our provocation. Deepika has been showing dancing, inappropriately attired, in the Ghoomar song when in reality Padmavati never danced. She is a symbol of female honour among the Rajputs and they’re playing with her image. We request women across the country to join us in protest because this film is offensive to women in general,” Mr. Kalvi added.
The representatives demanded that the director must decide whether he is portraying fiction or reality. “If it’s reality, then he knows he has committed a blunder. If not, why isn’t the film named Leelawati or something else?,” said Vijay Singh Rathore, member of the organisation.
Film’s release delayed
In light of the increasing protests, the producer of Padmavati , Viacom18 Motion Pictures, delayed the release of its film on Sunday.
The film, directed by Bhansali and starring Deepika, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer, was originally slated to be released on December 1. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also made a statement earlier saying that film should not be released until “necessary changes are made so that sentiments of any community are not hurt”.
