By: Express News ServiceNew Delhi | September 19, 2025 10:24 PM IST 3 min readPromising a “special” Ram Lila this year, the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee made the announcement of Pandey playing Mandodari in a press statement. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)The invite by one of the oldest Ramlila committees in Delhi to actor Poonam Pandey to play Ravana’s wife has sparked a row with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling the decision disrespectful to cultural and religious sentiments.Promising a “special” Ram Lila this year, the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee made the announcement of Pandey playing Mandodari in a press statement. “As soon as the Ram Lila committee approached Pandey, she accepted the role. She also said that it was her dream to play a role in the Ramlila, it has been fulfilled with the blessings of Lord Shri Ram,” it stated. The committee hosts Ramlila near the iconic Red Fort every year.However, raising strong objections, the VHP urged the committee to reconsider its decision.Due to Pandey’s public image and involvement in controversies in the past, her casting may lead to confusion or resentment among devotees. VHP’s provincial minister Surendra Gupta wrote in a letter, “Ramlila is not just a theatrical performance but a living embodiment of Indian values and traditions…The organisation insists that casting for Ramayana-based productions should not be based solely on acting ability, but must also consider cultural appropriateness and the sentiments of devotees.”Gupta said, “Our intention is not to personally oppose any artist, but to uphold the cultural sanctity and the faith of devotees associated with sacred epics like the Ramayana.”Mandodari, Gupta said, symbolises virtue, dignity, restraint, and the ideal of a devoted wife. “Therefore, the selection of an actress for this role should reflect these ideals,” he added.The VHP has also suggested that the committee reconsider the decision and select an actor with a traditional theatre background or one whose public conduct aligns with cultural expectations.Story continues below this adSpeaking to The Indian Express, Arjun Kumar, President, Luv Kush Ramlila Committee, said, “We talk about eliminating evil from the world. An actor is playing the role of Ravana (Arya Babbar), and if Poonam Pandey plays his wife, Mandodri, then what is wrong in that? Right now, she is known only for her bold acting and character, so we hope that through this stage, a message will go to her followers that she has changed. A bandit, glamorous actress has reached the Parliament… There should be change, evil should end and good should prevail,”Pandey had earlier posted in a social media post and thanked the committee for inviting her to participate in the event.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd