God Sita Shown Smoking, Controversy Erupts in Pune College Play, The performance, orchestrated by students of Pune University’s Lalit Kala Kendra, aimed to provide a behind-the-scenes
God Sita Shown Smoking
Pune, India – A theatrical production staged at Savitribai Phule College in Pune has ignited a fierce debate, leading to the arrest of six individuals amid allegations of religious insensitivity. The play, a rendition of the renowned Ramleela epic, purportedly featured scenes deemed offensive by some, including the portrayal of Sita, the revered consort of Lord Rama, smoking on stage.
According to police reports, the performance, orchestrated by students of Pune University’s Lalit Kala Kendra, aimed to provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of actors involved in Ramleela enactments. However, the inclusion of controversial elements triggered outcry, particularly from members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who accused the production of disparaging Hindu sentiments.
The confrontation between ABVP representatives and Lalit Kala Kendra students erupted into physical altercations on Friday evening, marking a distressing turn in the unfolding saga. Harshvardhan Harpude, an ABVP official, promptly lodged a complaint under section 295 (A) of the Indian Penal Code, citing deliberate intent to outrage religious sensibilities among its allegations.
Lalit Kala Kendra Pune
Pravin Bhole, the head of the Lalit Kala Kendra department, alongside students Bhavesh Patil, Jay Pednekar, Prathamesh Sawant, Rishikesh Dalvi, and Yash Chikhle, found themselves facing legal ramifications following ABVP pune formal grievance. The accused individuals were apprehended by authorities, a testament to the gravity with which the allegations were regarded.
The play, called ‘Ramleela’ and presented by Lalit Kala Kendra, aimed to reveal the behind-the-scenes happenings of actors involved in Ramleela performances.
Shiva Barole, who heads the Pune University unit of the ABVP, expressed concerns about the portrayal in the play. He mentioned that it included scenes where Sita was shown smoking and using offensive language towards Laxman. This depiction led to objections from the ABVP, who felt that such actions were disrespectful to Hindu beliefs. They intervened and stopped the performance, citing offense to Hindu sentiments.
ABVP’s assertions centered on the depiction of a male actor assuming the role of Sita, an act deemed sacrilegious and disrespectful. The portrayal of Sita indulging in smoking, coupled with purported use of offensive language, further exacerbated tensions within the auditorium, leading to clashes between audience members and performers.
Pune University News
Pune University Students Name
Adding to the controversy, names of students involved in the production were shared on social media platforms, sparking further uproar and raising questions about privacy and safety.
In response, Lalit Kala Kendra students retaliated by lodging a counter complaint against ABVP, reflecting the deep-seated discord that has permeated the theatrical community and beyond.
As the controversy continues, it shows how tricky it is to balance artistic freedom with respecting different cultures. People are having deep conversations about how far artists should go when expressing themselves in a diverse society. The arrests show that authorities are taking this seriously, but it also emphasizes the importance of talking things out and understanding each other’s perspectives when dealing with sensitive topics like faith and interpretation.
This incident reminds us how much art can affect how we get along with each other in our communities. It highlights the need for careful and thoughtful discussions to bring people with different beliefs closer together, especially as our society keeps changing.
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