Nawazuddin Siddiqui Pulls out of Ramleela Event After Protests

The organisers cancelled the event after the activists expressed displeasure over Nawazuddin’s participation.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui. (Photo: Movie Still from Kick)

Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has pulled out of a Ramleela programme at his native place in Budhana here due to opposition by right-wing activists, police said today.

The Ramleela programme featuring Nawazuddin has been cancelled following opposition by some Hindu activists, Superintendent of Police (rural) Rakesh Jolly said.

The organisers had to cancel the programme after the activists approached them and expressed their displeasure over Nawazuddin's participation, he added.

The actor, known for his critically-acclaimed performances in many Hindi blockbusters, however, has not lost hope and promised his fans that he will return next year.

Nawazuddin did not comment on the people who were against his appearance on the stage, saying he had to cancel his appearance to "maintain peace" in the village.

There were some technical issues. I got the order that I should not do it as it was important to maintain peace in the village.

The actor said he wanted to play Maarich, a rakshasa (demon), because the demon wanted to be killed by the arrows of Ram.

(With inputs from PTI)