Kolkata: 'Padmaavat' returns as Durga Puja theme in two pandals
The Chittorgarh Fort as seen in the period film 'Padmaavat' has been recreated by two crowd-pulling Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata. Both the Sribhumi Sporting Club and the Md Ali Park puja committees modeled their pandals on the famous fort of Rajasthan, but the idea behind it was different, officials of the two organizations said. Here's more.
The controversial film 'Padmaavat' had a smooth run in WB
When anti-Padmaavat protesters threatened to stall the film's release all over the country in January, the filmmakers were assured of security by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the film had a smooth run across West Bengal, Sujit Bose, Sribhumi Sporting Club President and an MLA said. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film's sets also were damaged more than once during its making.
'Padmaavat' theme selected to show WB stands for tolerance, peace
"The theme was chosen to deliver the message that Bengal stands for tolerance and peace," Bose said. The setting of a song sequence in 'Padmaavat' in the backdrop of Chittorgarh Fort was recreated at Sribhumi pandal. The Puja was inaugurated by CM Banerjee before Mahalaya. The Md Ali Park puja committee created a small replica of the entire fort in its golden jubilee year.
Wanted to remind people about history: Puja committee secretary
"We wanted to remind the people about that history," Md Ali Park puja committee secretary Ashok Ojha said. Models inside the pandal donned the costumes worn by the film characters. On 'Padmaavat' being the theme of two puja committees in the same year, Ojha said, "This is a coincidence. The purpose of all puja committees is to introduce people to artworks, enjoy Puja festivities."
