Padmavati Controversy : Not Against Art but Distortion of Historical Facts Says Karni Sena

Prerit Chauhan (Photo/Video) By Lokesh Goswami
At a press conference held in the national capital on Wednesday, representatives of the organization Rajput Karni Sena a caste group formed in 2006, today defended their strong stance against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period film Padmavati while clarifying the fact that “freedom of expression” in terms of art cannot be tolerated when the feelings of millions of people hang in jeopardy. The Karni Sena demands that the Film should be screened for Mewar royalty and if they and if they find nothing offensive in Bhansali’s depiction of Rajput community, they will withdraw their protests against Padmavati.

Bhansali’s team on 30 January had assured us in writing that he will pre-screen the trailer and the movie and take the Rajput organisations into confidence before releasing it. But he did not did do so,” Kalvi said.

We are not against art, or as a matter of fact, any filmmaker Who wants to narrate a period drama. But tampering with historical facts and defaming Rajput glory is something that cannot be ignored. Truth often gets overshadowed by the subjectivity of perception which can mislead generations of audience and result in poor understanding of history”, added Lokendra Singh Kalvi.

The Karni Sena leader also claimed that Dawood’s money was invested in the movie. “I got three threat calls from international numbers — one from Karachi, which indicates Dawood’s money is involved, What is the interest of a man sitting in Karachi in bumping me off?”

Padmavati is the film starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in the lead role is based On the epic poem ”Padmavat” which narrates the tale of Allaudin khilji,s invasion of Rajputana in order to capture Rani Padmini, the legendary queen renowned for her extraordinary beauty. lt is believed, that Rani Padmini committed ‘Jauhar’, an act of self immolation with 16,000 royal women in order to safeguard her pride and honor. The tales of Rani Padmini’s sacrifice and valor have led her to attain a goddess like status in various parts of Rajasthan and her inappropriate depiction in Bhansali’s film has fueled major agitation among various political, regional and religious communities.