Row Erupts Over Poonam Pandey Playing Mandodari in Delhi’s Luv Kush Ramleela
PakkaHyderabadi 
The Luv Kush Ramleela Committee’s decision to cast actress Poonam Pandey as Mandodari has drawn objections from BJP and VHP leaders.
Eyebrows were raised after Delhi’s popular Luv Kush Ramleela Committee cast model-actress Poonam Pandey as Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, prompting objections from the BJP and VHP.
Delhi BJP media cell head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, who is also the senior vice-president of the Luv Kush Ramleela Committee, wrote to the organisers on Saturday requesting Pandey’s replacement. He argued that the Ramleela has a reputation for innovation and attracts huge youth audiences, but should remain free of controversy.
Earlier, VHP Delhi secretary Surendra Gupta also objected to Pandey’s casting, citing her controversial past and social media image. Both BJP and VHP urged the organisers to rethink their decision.
Responding to the row, Committee president Arjun Kumar said Pandey’s role is scheduled for September 29–30. He maintained that there was nothing wrong with casting her, as Mandodari represents goodness, and “everyone deserves a chance.” He also noted that more than 500 performers will be part of the Ramleela, with Pandey being just one among them.
The controversy has already gone viral on social media and is expected to add further political colour as the Ramleela begins on September 22 in Delhi.
