Glamourising Khilji is Like Praising Acid Attackers: BJP Minister

“There is anger among the people of Haryana, like many other states,” Vipul Goel said.

Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji in Padmavati.

(Photo courtesy: YouTube Screenshot)

In letters to Union minister Smriti Irani and Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Haryana minister Vipul Goel on 12 November, Sunday sought changes in the controversial film, saying that "glamourising Alauddin Khilji's character was akin to praising those who carry out acid attacks on girls".

In a letter to the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, Goel drew Irani's attention to the the controversy surrounding the film, scheduled to release shortly.

He said that apart from the Rajputs, there were concerns regarding the movie in other communities as well.

The magnum opus starring Deepika Padukone as Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji, is based on the legend of Rani Padmavati, a Hindu Rajput queen.

The Industries and Commerce minister of Haryana claimed that these concerns pertain to "whether historical facts in the film have been presented in a twisted manner".

There is anger among the people of Haryana, like many other states, regarding the film glorifying the negative character of Alauddin Khilji rather than our own rich history.

Vipul Goel said in his letter to Irani

He also mentioned that films based on historical facts, while exercising the freedom of thought, should also keep in mind the people's sentiments and culture.

Therefore, I request you that the film be cleared only after keeping in view the public sentiments and historical facts, and ensuring that historical facts are not twisted in the movie

Goel’s Letter to Bhansali

In a separate letter to Bhansali, Goel, claimed that he had seen the movie's trailer and that Khilji's "negative" character had been glorified in the film.

To glorify Khilji’s character may give you success at the box office, but in such circumstances this film will fail to do justice to our country’s rich history. I want to ask you, is glorification of Khilji’s character for the sake of public entertainment justified?

He said that voices are being raised against the film in many parts of the country, including Haryana.

I being an elected representative, request you that the film be released only after making necessary amendments and keeping in view the public sentiments. And if this is not possible, then you must answer the concerns about the film that are being raised so that your film is screened in a peaceful manner

(With inputs from PTI.)