After Padmaavat, movie on Lakshmibai draws criticism
OPPOSITION Brahmin body says film distorts history regarding queen of Jhansi
JAIPUR: The controversy over Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Padmaavat is just dying down, but the next controversy, this time concerning a movie about Rani Lakshmibai, the 19th-century queen of Jhansi, is already here.
If the Rajputs were angry at Padmaavat, it is now the turn of the Brahmins.
Addressing a press conference in Jaipur on Monday, Suresh Mishra, president of the Sarva Brahman Mahasabha (SBM), alleged that the film ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ distorts history regarding Lakshmibai and depicts a love affair between her and an Englishman.
Bollywood A-lister Kangana Ranaut stars in the title role.
“We have learnt about this from our friends and acquaintances in various parts of Rajasthan where some scenes of the film are being shot. The film is based on a foreigner’s book and tries to damage the queen’s reputation,” said Mishra. He claimed he has written to the film’s producer, Kamal Jain, enquiring about the writers of the film, profile of the historians consulted and details of thesongs in the film if there are any.
Mishra added that he has not received any response.
Ranaut and film director Krish did not respond to calls from HT.
Producer Kamal Jain said, “The film shows Rani Lakshmibai in a respectful manner. We have taken care about portraying her, including consulting historians and scholars in Jhansi. She was a freedom fighter and one of the most respected leader our country has seen. She is a symbol of valour in our country. The film’s story depicts the same. It doesn’t portray anything objectionable about her. There is no love affair depicted and there is no distortion of history in any way. It pains me to hear these statements about one of the greatest leaders India has seen. Is this what independence means? We are making a film which depicts her real story. We are open and willing to show the script (to people who might have doubts). We have nothing to hide.”
Lakshmibai was a Brahmin and therefore the organisation and community have queries on the movie, Mishra’s letter says.
“Nobody can even imagine that Lakshmibai could have an affair. She died fighting the British at a young age. If a film is to be made on her life, it should be a biopic,” said Mishra, adding that the organisation is opposed to any distortion on the portrayal of historical figures for commercial motives. Interestingly, SBM had also opposed Padmavaat.