Mewar royal asked to join panel to vet Padmavati

Rajput groups had staged violent protests, allegedly over rumours that Bhansali included a romantic scene between the queen and Allauddin Khilji, the Delhi emperor who attacked Mewar’s capital Chittorgarh.

One of the clarifications Singh sought in his letter to Joshi is on the genre of the film.

“It has been reported to be a fantasy at some place and historical at others. We need clarity on under what genre the film is seeking certification,” he wrote in the letter, a copy of which has been seen by Hindustan Times.

“The reported involvement of historians in the process of certification so far establishes that the film is of historical relevance,” he added.

Sources in CBFC said that film was once sent back to the producers after it was found that the column for stating whether it was a work of fiction or was based on historical facts was left blank.

“The film has used the name of my family’s respected ancestors and events that have taken place in history. It is not just the story but the depiction of characters that is of great importance. The song and promos released make it apparent that all claims of the filmmaker of giving due regard to cultural sensitivities ring hollow,” Singh wrote in his letter.

Singh added that his family has not given permission for this film and was never consulted or informed “even as a matter ordinary courtesy” that such a film was being made on this large a scale.

Singh has also sought details on the nature of functioning of the committee and whether its findings would be advisory or binding.

“The exercise of appointing a committee and the process of certification appears to be aimed at somehow lending credibility to a film, the released portions of which are found to be seriously objectionable by the very persons whose history and culture the film claims to showcase,” he wrote.