Poonam Pandey removed from Mandodari's role in Ramleela

Poonam Pandey removed from Mandodari's role: Delhi's Ramleela Committee has decided to drop actor Poonam Pandey from essaying the playing the role of Mandodari, in this year's Ramleela. It is to be noted that Mandodari was the wife of Ravana. Poonam Pandey was stopped from playing the role of Mandodari, following opposition from several groups.

What Ramleela committee said?

Arjun Kumar, Committee president, speaking at a press conference at the Constitutional Club of India, said, "An artist should be judged by their work and not their past; the decision was reviewed in light of public sentiment."

He further added, "Every woman has a role to play in society and should not be humiliated. Initially, we believed Poonam Pandey could positively portray Mandodari. But considering the uproar among certain sections, we had to reconsider."

He added, “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.”

Poonam Pandey's Statement

On the contrary, Poonam Pandey said she was excited and looking forward to playing the role in order to cleanse herself. Sharing video message, she also stated that she had decided to fast on all nine days of Navratri.