Won’t let Padmavati release in UP: VHP

Lucknow: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has said that it will ensure that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Padmavati does not release in Uttar Pradesh. VHP leader Rakesh Varma, who had burnt the film’s posters in Gonda district on Friday, said that Padmavati glorifies foreign invaders like Khilji and defames the royal past of Rajasthan. The film, based on Rajasthan’s brave queen Rani Padmini, is said to be inspired from ‘Padmavat’ an epic poem which describes the valour shown by Rani Padmini who committed ‘jauhar’ (self-immolation) after Alauddin Khilji, the barbaric ruler of Delhi Sultanate, tried to capture her. The film has been in controversy even before its trailer launch. The VHP leader said that no patriot will tolerate insult to Rani Padmini and the film maker’s attempts to distort history will be firmly dealt with. It may be recalled that in April, the shooting of Padmavati was disrupted by members of Karni Sena in Jaipur.