“There was never any romantic scene, dream sequence between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji” – Sanjay Leela Bhansali finally clarifies on Padmavati

After a series of protests and violence on the sets of the Rajput-Mughal era period drama Padmavati, the film came to a halt with the director constantly switching locations over the fear of chaos. However, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has now finally released a statement clarifying on his film and requesting the mischief makers to allow him to shoot in peace.

In the statement, Sanjay Leela Bhansali not only asserted that the film will leave every Indian proud but he also put several misconceptions to rest and thanked the fraternity and media for their support.

His statement read, Here are too many misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding my film, Padmavati. I feel the need to clear the air once and for all. Padmavati is a film about a revered Rajput Queen and her valiant fight for honour and dignity. It’s a film that every Indian will be proud of.

My team and I have carefully researched every aspect of information available on Rani Padmavati for making the film. There was never any alleged romantic scene, dream sequence or imaginary song between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji in the script. I repeat, there NEVER was and NOR is there any such scene between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji.

While we have clarified this multiple times across various media platforms, the vandalism against the film deeply pains me. This violence is unjustified and not acceptable as it is merely based on hearsay, allegations and accusations, and not on facts. As an artist, I too believe in the freedom of expression, but I’m also aware of the responsibility that comes along with this freedom. We do not intend to hurt the sentiments of any community and can confidently say that Mewar will be proud of the film.

My team and I have met with some of the Rajput leaders, who, upon receipt of our clarification, have agreed to support us and have also signed our letter and promised cooperation in support of the making of the film. I hope this puts to rest all the misconceptions regarding the film. I take this opportunity to thank the film fraternity and the media, who have constantly spoken in support of the film and protested against any kind of violence vandalism against artists and their freedom to express.

Padmavati starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor traces the obsession of cruel leader Alauddin Khilji who falls for the beauty of the married queen Rani Padmini.