The Lav Kush Ramlila is one of the biggest Ramlila events in Delhi. Every year, it attracts huge crowds to witness the grand staging of the Ramayana.
The Lav Kush Ramlila committee in Delhi has roped in actor Poonam Pandey for this year’s performance. She will play the role of Mandodari, wife of Ravan. The play will begin on September 22 at the Red Fort Ground and continue till October 3.
Arjun Kumar, president of the Lav Kush Ramlila committee, confirmed the news. He said, “When we approached Poonam Pandey for this role, she instantly agreed. She shared that portraying Mandodari on stage has been her lifelong dream, fulfilled by the blessings of Lord Shri Ram. Performing live before thousands of spectators is a challenge, and she is already deeply engrossed in rehearsals to perfect her performance.”
Poonam Pandey has worked in films like Karma—The Journey and GST: Galti Se Sirf. She has also appeared in TV shows such as CID and the reality show Lock Upp. This year, Arya Babbar will play Ravan in the Ramlila.
Not everyone welcomed the decision. After the announcement, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) media cell head Praveen Shankar Kapoor opposed the move. Kapoor, who also serves as senior vice president of the Lav Kush Ramlila Committee, wrote to the organisers asking them to replace Poonam.
According to PTI, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Surendra Gupta also raised objections. Kapoor said, “Pandey has not only been off the screen for years but is also known for controversies over her photos and videos on social media.”
Despite the opposition, the organisers have stood by their decision. Arjun Kumar said, “We don't see anything wrong with a woman playing a character that represents goodness in the Ramleela. Everyone deserves a chance.” He confirmed that Poonam will play Mandodari on September 29 and 30.
The committee believes that her performance will bring a fresh perspective to the stage. Poonam has already started rehearsing and is preparing to perform before thousands of people.
The Lav Kush Ramlila is one of the biggest Ramlila events in Delhi. Every year, it attracts huge crowds to witness the grand staging of the Ramayana. This year’s event will feature more than 500 performers.
The shows will run from September 22 to October 3 at the Red Fort Ground. A grand Dussehra celebration is planned for October 2. On that day, the symbolic burning of Ravan’s effigy will take place with thousands of spectators in attendance.
