The Lav Kush Ramlila Committee has a long history of casting film actors from Mumbai in key roles, and Pandey, who has acted in Hindi and Punjabi films, approached the committee herself for the part. She will share the stage with Arya Babbar, reprising his role as Ravana, and is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on September 26, 2025, ahead of rehearsals for the performances on September 29 and 30.

Committee stands firm on casting Poonam Pandey

Arjun Kumar, president of the Lav Kush Ramlila Committee, said their event has regularly featured film actors from Mumbai for over twenty years. Explaining how Pandey joined the cast, he told The Federal, “It was Poonam who contacted us and requested that she be included in the Ramlila. We agreed since she has acted in Hindi and Punjabi films.”

Defending the decision, he added, “An artist is an artist, we will not replace her.” On criticism from political and religious groups, Kumar responded, “Everyone has a right to their opinion.”

Pandey will travel to Delhi on September 26, 2025. She is expected to begin rehearsals before performing on stage on September 29 and 30. Actor Arya Babbar will share the stage with her, portraying Ravana.

Lav Kush Ramlila Committee to address the controversy today

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Poonam Pandey’s casting as Mandodari in the Lav Kush Ramlila, the committee has announced a press conference to address the issue. The event will be held today, September 23, 225, at 3 PM at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. The press conference will be led by Arjun Kumar, chairman of the Lav Kush Ramlila Committee, along with Subhash Kumar, the committee’s secretary.

Poonam Pandey on playing Mandodari

The actor herself confirmed the news through a video on Instagram. In her message earlier, she said, “Dilli ke Red Fort mein jo world famous Lav Kush Ramlila ka play hota hai, usme mujhe, Mandodari, ek jo bahot hie important character hai, jo Raavan ki patni thi, unka kirdaar nibhane ka afsar mila hai. Main bahot hie zyada khush ho. Bahot hie important character hai.”

She also revealed that she plans to observe Navratri fasting while preparing for the role. “Maine yeh bhi decide kiya hai ke main poori Navratri fasting rakhungi, taaki main apne mann se, apne tann se, aur bhi zyada cleansed raho, iss khoobsurat se role ko play karne ke liye. Jai Shree Ram, milte hai Ramlila mein,” she added.

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Arya Babbar returns as Ravana

Arya Babbar, who is cast as Ravana, has previously portrayed the character. In 2015, he played the demon king in the television series Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman. Reflecting on the role then, he had said, “I’ve always been fascinated by the character of Ravana… I believe he is the most colourful character ever created. Every human emotion is so well depicted in his life span.”

Poonam Pandey’s controversies over the years

Poonam Pandey has often been in the news for her bold actions and statements. She first gained attention in 2011 when she promised to strip if India won the ICC World Cup. Although she didn’t follow through, the stunt got a lot of media coverage. Later, she posed nude to celebrate the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL win, which led to protests and the burning of her posters in Kolkata.

In 2017, she launched a mobile app with adult content, which was removed from the Google Play Store within an hour for violating rules. She also shared a private sex tape on Instagram, which she later deleted.

Pandey’s personal life has also made headlines. In 2021, she filed a domestic violence complaint against her ex-husband, Sam Bombay, leading to his arrest. She also spoke about the abuse during the reality show Lock Upp.

In February 2024, she staged a fake death announcement on social media to raise awareness about cervical cancer, which drew widespread criticism. She later apologised for causing distress to her followers.