Protesters burn Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s effigy in Delhi after hurling shoes at it

Scores of right-wing activists staged a protest in the Azadpur area of Delhi against the film Padmavati and its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali earlier today.
The right-wing group Rashtrapati Chetna Manch had organised the protest in which some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries also participated. A number of speakers threatened Bhansali on the stage. About 100 people gathered near Azadpur Mandi at about 10.30am with saffron flags and an effigy of Bhansali.

“Rani Padmini didn’t represent a specific community, she represented the entire religion. She had performed jauhar (self-immolation) to save herself from the invaders. We will not allow any actor or director to defame Rani Padmini. We oppose film Padmavati,” said Roshan Kansal, Keshavpuram district chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

After the speeches against Bhansali on the stage, the protesters dragged his effigy to the centre of the road and burnt it after hurling shoes at it. The
protesters kept hailing the legacy of Rani Padmini and shouted slogans against Bhansali.”We will not allow the movie to be released in Delhi. The censor board does not know history. Before giving permission for such movies, the board must consult the descendants of the Royal families and good historians,” said a protester.

For these young women of India, Rani Padmavati is best left behind as a myth, mothballed and made obsolete. They have many more tales of courage to write.

source: indiatoday.intoday.in