The controversy surrounding actress Poonam Pandey has taken a sharp turn, as the organizers of the prestigious Lav Kush Ramleela in Delhi announced that she will no longer play the role of Mandodari, Ravana’s wife. The decision came after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and several religious groups raised strong objections to her participation.
Committee’s Sudden U-Turn
Initially, the Ramleela committee defended its choice, emphasizing that “an artist should be judged as an artist.” However, as opposition gained momentum, committee president Arjun Kumar and general secretary Subhash Goyal decided to withdraw Pandey from the cast. The committee stated that their primary goal is to spread Lord Ram’s message and not to invite unnecessary controversy. A new actress will soon be selected for the role of Mandodari.
Poonam Pandey’s Interest and Preparations
Earlier, Poonam Pandey had expressed excitement about portraying Mandodari, calling it a significant character in the Ramayana. She even shared her preparations on Instagram, revealing that she kept fasts during Navratri as part of her devotion and role preparation. Actor Arya Babbar will continue to play Ravana, a role he has portrayed in television series before.
The Shadow of Poonam Pandey’s Controversial Past
Poonam Pandey’s removal also reflects her controversial past. In 2011, she gained notoriety by promising to strip if India won the Cricket World Cup. She later performed bold photo shoots during IPL celebrations and even launched an app that was later banned. In 2021, she was involved in a domestic violence case with her husband, and in February 2024, she shocked the nation by falsely announcing her own death before apologizing.
Organizers Aim to Protect Ramleela’s Spirit
Summing up their decision, the organizers emphasized that they want to safeguard the sanctity of Ramleela and ensure the focus remains on Lord Ram’s message rather than controversies. Pandey’s exit marks another chapter in her long list of public disputes.
