The Bajirao Mastani ladies, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, received a lot of attention for the recently released video for the film’s song ‘Pinga’, but they also invoked the ire of the descendants of Bajirao and Mastani, the warrior couple on whom the film is based.
The descendants are offended by “the vulgar display of women” in the song, reported Indian Express.
“Pinga is not actually performed the way it has been depicted in the movie,” said Dr Anuradha Sahasrabuddhe, a social activist from Pune. “It is a traditional cultural game that is played in women’s gatherings and definitely not a ‘Dola Re Dola’ kind of an item song with the body showing. It will not be allowed and none of us will tolerate it. We want the songs to be deleted.”
According to the Bajirao’s descendant Uday Sinh Peshwa, their family requested that the film be kept historically accurate and were assured by Bhansali that the film will be excellent.
The families are now demanding to see the entire film, and insist that it be revised before release.
They have objected to several other parts of the film, including fight sequences, some dialogue and the portrayal of private moments.
About the film’s fight choreography, Sardar Sathyasheelraje Dabhade said: “You cannot have Bajirao jumping to reach an elephant’s head. History has to be shown as it is. There were many families that were involved in that era. There were other important characters but right now they are showing just Bajirao, Mastani [his second wife, played by Deepika] and Kashibai [his first wife, played by Priyanka]. What about our family? We have also shed blood.”
“There is [also] a scene where Ranveer Singh is shown pouring water over Priyanka Chopra’s head. Those are private moments. How can you show that? We agree with cinematic liberty but the dignity of the person should be kept intact,” added Uday.
Mastani’s descendants also considered the now popular dialogue ‘Bajirao ne Mastani se mohabbat ki hai, aiashi nahi’ vulgar and shameful.
Bajirao Mastani is based on the book of Rau, but Bajirao’s family is doubtful of its authenticity.
The families’ grievances have been met with Bhansali’s silence so far.
Bajirao Mastani releases on December 18.
