JAIPUR: The Jauhar Sewa Sansthan (JSS) of Chittorgarh on Sunday for a 'qila bandh' at Chittorgarh fort, a UNESCO world heritage site, on November 17 in protest against the scheduled release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film 'Padmavati', based on the Indian queen.
Several organizations have extended their support for the 'qila bandh' (closing fort). The Sansthan has set a deadline of November 16 for the Central government and director Bhansali to cancel the release of the film in the state.
"If they fail to make the announcement before the deadline, we will organize a 'qila bandh'. Our volunteers will not allow any tourist or visitor to enter the fort on Friday," said Bhanwar Singh, general secretary, JSS. The announcement was made during a protest march held at Padanpole Gate on Sunday. Protestors also hanged an effigy of Bhansali at the historic gate.
The fort is the lifeline of the 7th-century city of Chittor and a major attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. The Sansthan has made it clear that this was only the beginning of their protest which will soon spread across the country. "The community has been living peacefully following all the rules of the land. We have provoked by some vested interests. We have always tolerated the distorted history, authored by foreign authors—Persians and Britishers—showing Rajputs in poor light. The community is united and has received support from several other organizations across the country," said an angry Lokendra Singh Chundawat, spokesperson of the Sansthan.
The movie is being opposed for an alleged dream sequence which shows Alauddin Khilji romancing Rani Padmavati. It is also being objected for allegedly including the popular narrative of Rajput King Raja Ratan Singh letting Khilji see his wife Padmavati.
"Even if the film begins with the disclaimer 'that it's a fictional film', we will not allow the screening. The choice of characters, location and the plot are is a coincidence but a deliberate attempt by Bhansali to present the barbarian intruder, Khilji, as a hero," said Chundawat, who claims to be a descendant of Padmavati.
Several organizations have extended their support for the 'qila bandh' (closing fort). The Sansthan has set a deadline of November 16 for the Central government and director Bhansali to cancel the release of the film in the state.
"If they fail to make the announcement before the deadline, we will organize a 'qila bandh'. Our volunteers will not allow any tourist or visitor to enter the fort on Friday," said Bhanwar Singh, general secretary, JSS. The announcement was made during a protest march held at Padanpole Gate on Sunday. Protestors also hanged an effigy of Bhansali at the historic gate.
The fort is the lifeline of the 7th-century city of Chittor and a major attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. The Sansthan has made it clear that this was only the beginning of their protest which will soon spread across the country. "The community has been living peacefully following all the rules of the land. We have provoked by some vested interests. We have always tolerated the distorted history, authored by foreign authors—Persians and Britishers—showing Rajputs in poor light. The community is united and has received support from several other organizations across the country," said an angry Lokendra Singh Chundawat, spokesperson of the Sansthan.
The movie is being opposed for an alleged dream sequence which shows Alauddin Khilji romancing Rani Padmavati. It is also being objected for allegedly including the popular narrative of Rajput King Raja Ratan Singh letting Khilji see his wife Padmavati.
"Even if the film begins with the disclaimer 'that it's a fictional film', we will not allow the screening. The choice of characters, location and the plot are is a coincidence but a deliberate attempt by Bhansali to present the barbarian intruder, Khilji, as a hero," said Chundawat, who claims to be a descendant of Padmavati.
Get latest news & live updates on the go on your pc with News App. Download The Times of India news app for your device.
