Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his power-packed performances, would not be unleashing his talent during the Ram Leela celebrations at his hometown this Dussera, if a leading daily is to be believed.
The daily added that due to pressure from Hindu activists, local political parties and Shiv Sena, the actor had to back away from his performance where he was supposed to play the role of Maricha. Incidentally, it's been the actor's childhood dream to take part in the festivities.
While commenting about the incident, a Shiv Sena head told the daily, “Our objection is with his name as well as the person. His sister-in-law has filed a case against him. He is trying to use this role to get back his social prestige. We will not allow this. For over 50 years, no Muslim has been a part of the production. Why should this be allowed now? We went to the police and our members went around town to spread the word and urge people to stop this.”
The President of the Ram Leela committee also stated to the daily, “A few members of the Shiv Sena didn’t want a Muslim man to play a character in Ram Leela. Then the police told us that we should not let Nawazuddin participate and, if at all we do, and there is a problem during the show, we will have to take responsibility. We were not ready for that, there were just too many people in the audience, we couldn’t have controlled the crowds in case of a ruckus.”
The actor, on his part, refrained from commenting on the sensitive topic, he tweeted his rehearsal video instead and said, “My childhood dream could not come true, but will definitely be a part of Ramleela next year. Check the rehearsals.”
My childhood dream could not come true, but will definitely be a part of Ramleela next year.
— Nawazuddin Siddiqui (@Nawazuddin_S) October 6, 2016
Check the rehearsals. pic.twitter.com/euOYSgsm3F
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