Padmavati starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor is yet to start shooting but is piling up controversies in the meanwhile. After alleged star tantrums and a massive pay hike for Deepika, the film has been threatened protests by Hardik Patel-led Patidar Navnirman Sena (PNS).
Padmavati is reportedly based on the life of Rani Padmini, wife of King Ratansen of Chittor. The film will have Deepika as Padmavati while Shahid Kapoor will play her husband. Ranveer has apparently been cast in the role of Alauddin Khilji who was obsessed with Padmavati. However, before the film starts shooting in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan’s Mewar, PNS wants assurance from Sanjay Leela Bhansali that the director will portray Rani Padmvati according to historical facts. Till then, they would not allow Bhansali to shoot the film in Gujarat.
The Rajput Sena – who were apparently concerned about the portrayal of Rani Padmavati in the film — took the matter to Hardik Patel. “Every person is proud of Maharani Padmavati, who sacrificed her life for the self-esteem of Chittorgarh. Along with 1,600 other queens, she died of jauhar, (self-immolation) when Alauddin Khilji had attacked Chittorgarh,“ he was quoted as saying in Ahmedabad Mirror.
“However Rajasthan-based Rajput Sena’s members met me and informed that SLB has not studied the history, and could damage the image of Rani Padmavati. So, we’ve informed him to stop the production of the film and hold discussions with Rajput leaders before he begins shooting. Bhansali should give assurance of not damaging Rani Padmavati’s image, or else Patidar Navnirman Sena will hold protests against the movie across the country, and will not give permission for the film to release in Rajasthan. No director has the right to damage history for entertainment, ” he further said.
Earlier, Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani — also starring Deepika and Ranveer — had faced protests for being historically inaccurate.
Click for more updates and latest Bollywood news along with Entertainment updates. Also get latest news and top headlines from India and around the world at The Indian Express.