‘Padmavathy’ sets vandalised again

This time in Kolhapur, Maharashra, the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Padmavathi’ was vandalised by unknown miscreants, overnight. Around 40 to 50 people armed with sticks and stones are believed to have attacked the set and damaged cars parked around the location near Panhala Fort. The attackers had also lit petrol bombs at the set and most costumes were burnt to ashes.

Second time

It must be recalled that the former Jaipur location for the film in Rajasthan was similarly vandalised and the director was badly manhandled. The miscreants, who belonged to a Rajput group called Karni sena went unpunished by the state government.

Recently the historic fort in Jaipur with the mirrors which folklore says were used by Padmavathy, were also broken to pieces.

The Karni Sena, had opposed a love scene between Rani Padmavati and the Mughal king, Alauddin Khilji in the movie, which Bhansali said was not even there in the film. The characters are played by Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.

Unless the state governments of Rajasthan and Maharashtra take up strict action against these groups who believe in violence and take law in their hands, there seems to be no reprieve for Padmavathy.