The Luv Kush Ramlila Committee, a popular organizer of Ramlila performances in Delhi, has announced a significant decision regarding their upcoming event at the Red Fort grounds. Actor Poonam Pandey, who was slated to play the role of Mandodari, will no longer be part of the cast.
This decision comes after the committee received numerous objections from various societal groups ever since Pandey’s casting was announced. Following extensive deliberations, the committee unanimously voted to replace her, opting for another artist to portray Mandodari this year.
Arjun Kumar, president, and Subhash Goyal, general secretary of the organizing committee, stated, “Poonam Pandey had initially agreed to portray Mandodari at the committee’s invitation. However, after her name was announced, several institutions and groups raised objections, which, according to the committee, could hinder the core purpose of the Ramlila — to spread the message of Lord Shri Ram to society.”
The organizers expressed their best wishes to Poonam Pandey for her future endeavors and hope she will understand and accept their decision. Pandey had previously shared in a video message on Instagram that she was looking forward to the role and planned to fast during the Navratri period as part of her preparation.