Activists vandalise school after students perform on 'Padmaavat' song

Attack occurred on the same day as makers of 'Padmaavat' issued clarifications in newspaper ads

It seems like the controversy surrounding Padmaavat is never-ending. According to The Hindustan Times, a Rajput group vandalised a private school in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, where students were performing on Ghoomar - a song from Padmaavat.


Activists of Karni Sena, who have been opposing the film since the trailer released last year, attacked the annual function that was taking place at St Paul's School in Jaora. The activists barged in while the elementary students were singing and dancing to the song.

Karni Sena and other Rajput groups claim that the film distorts history and Ghoomar shows Queen Padmini as a courtesan - opposing the fact that royal women never performed traditional folk dance in Rajasthan.

PHOTO: THE HINDUSTAN TIMES

DR Male, a police officer in Jaora stated, "The activists misbehaved with parents and teachers. They also broke the stage and chairs. Four people were detained after we reached the school and we have registered a case against them now."

Karni Sena leaders in Ratlam could not be contacted for comments. The district education officer in Dewas issued an order to ban the song on Karni Sena's request but was withdrawn later.


Clearing up matters, makers of Padmaavat also issued front page ads in newspapers on Monday, stating that the movie never had a romantic dream sequence between Alauddin Khilji and the Queen.

Statutory warning on a cigarette pack, I understand. This, I don't. No place for art in my country.#Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/dazvLQ4ffu

— Nakuul Mehta (@NakuulMehta) January 15, 2018

This clarification comes in a day after the official release date of January 25, 2018, was announced. The makers of the film explained in the ad, "Padmaavat is a film that every India will be proud of. Please visit your nearest theatre on January 25 to experience it yourself."

PHOTO: RANVEER SINGH/INSTAGRAM

The points mentioned in the ad by Sanjay Leela Bhansali were:

- The film Padmaavat is based on the epic Padmaavat by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi which is a revered work of fiction.

- The film does not have and never had a dream sequence between Alauddin Khilji and Rani Padmavati.

- We have made this film as an ode to the famed valour, legacy and courage of Rajputs.

- The film portrays Rani Padmavati with utmost respect and does not tarnish her repute or misrepresent her character in any manner.

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