Ramleela fervour set to take over

It's the much-beloved time of the year again, when residents across the city flock to catch a glimpse of an epic story of good prevailing over evil, the Ramleela, a live enactment of the Ramayana, which brings together renowned actors to portray complex characters or reprise roles they have played in popular shows and films.

- Varun Bhandari

However, the event this year, is not without controversy, as political parties have hit out at the choice of casting, objecting especially to model-actor Poonam Pandey playing the role of Mandodari, wife of Ravan by the Luv Kush committee. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the decision, saying she has not played any positive role.

Praveen Shankar Kapoor, chief spokesperson of the Delhi BJP and senior vice president of Luv Kush Ramleela Committee, alleged that Pandey is "recognised for her controversial actions." Kapoor said that assigning a role to Pandey "does not align with the dignity and ethos of the Ramleela."

In a response to news agency PTI, president of the Luv Kush committee, Arjun Kumar, said the organisers are open for discussion on the issue.

"We don't see anything wrong with a woman playing a character which represents goodness in the Ramleela. Everyone deserves a chance," Kumar said.