Objecting to the controversial depiction of Peshwa emperor Bajirao’s wife Kashibai and his lover Mastani in director-producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bollywood film Bajirao-Mastani, the descendent of Peshwas Prasadrao Peshwe has written a letter to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and asked to review the film and take a decision accordingly.
Describing himself as an ordinary citizen, Mr Peshwe said that he happened to see the promos of the film. He added that he had found out that the film, under the guise of cinematic liberty, had altered original history. “A song has been picturised on the wife of Shrimant Bajirao Peshwe-I Kashibai along with Mastani. This incident is not in line with history. Moreover, the Pinga dance form, which is an integral part of Marathi culture has been transformed into some sort of an item number and the costume and dance direction are on those lines,” he said.
He argued that the unconquered warrior king Shrimant Bajirao Peshwe and the overall legacy of Peshwas is a matter of Maharashtrian pride. Mr Peshwe further said, “Historical personalities should always be respected. The picturisation of the said film, the historical references of the period and story appear to be distorted. As I could not withstand the insult to Maratha history, Marathi ethos and Indian culture, I am making this appeal to you that the Maharashtra government review the entire film and arrive at an appropriate decision. Queen Kashibai Peshwe is known to have suffered from an arthritis-like ailment at a very young age and used to be bed-ridden for most of her life. The late queen was highly learned and had her own library. Mr Peshwe added that since the late queen Kashibai suffered from a debilitating disease of the knee joints, she could never have been expected to dance. “Moreover, the royal ladies never danced in public,” he said.
As per historical records, Bajirao Ballal Bhat better known as Bajirao Peshwe-I was born on August 18, 1700 and ruled between 1720 to 1740. He died in a battle on April 28, 1740. Bajirao Peshwe-I fought 43 wars and remained unconquered.
