The Lav Kush Ramlila Committee has confirmed that actress Poonam Pandey will remain in her role as Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, despite objections from some political and religious groups. The decision has sparked controversy, with some members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling for her replacement due to her "controversial past". However, Arjun Kumar, the president of the Lav Kush Ramlila Committee, has firmly defended the decision, stating that "everyone deserves a chance".

The controversy arose after the Lav Kush Ramlila Committee, one of Delhi's most well-known Ramlila productions, announced that Poonam Pandey would be playing Mandodari in their upcoming performance at the Red Fort grounds. The Ramlila began on September 22nd and will continue until October 3rd. Pandey's performances are scheduled for September 29th and 30th. The VHP and BJP leaders have voiced their disapproval of Pandey's casting, citing her past controversies and arguing that her public image is not in line with the traditional values associated with the character of Mandodari. Praveen Shankar Kapoor, head of the Delhi BJP media cell and senior vice president of the Ramlila Committee, wrote to the organizers requesting Pandey's replacement. He stated that Pandey has been away from the film industry for years and is known for controversies related to her photos and videos on social media. Similarly, Prant Surendra Gupta, a secretary of the VHP's Delhi chapter, objected to Pandey portraying Mandodari, emphasizing that the role requires someone who embodies virtue, dignity, restraint, and ideal wifely devotion.

Despite these objections, the Lav Kush Ramlila Committee is standing by its decision. Arjun Kumar, the committee president, has emphasized that Pandey was enthusiastic about the role and sees it as a lifelong dream fulfilled by the blessings of Lord Shri Ram. He also noted that the committee has been casting film stars from Mumbai in key roles for over two decades. Kumar defended Pandey's casting by asserting that everyone deserves a chance to improve, regardless of their past. He questioned why a person with a controversial past cannot portray a character in the Ramayana when individuals with questionable backgrounds can become members of Parliament or spiritual gurus. Kumar further added that objecting to Pandey's role contradicts the concept of women's empowerment.

In response to the controversy, Poonam Pandey released a video stating that she would be fasting for nine days during Navratri to cleanse her body and mind in preparation for the role. She expressed her excitement and happiness at being given the opportunity to play Mandodari in Delhi's Red Fort.

The Lav Kush Ramlila is a significant annual event in Delhi, drawing large crowds and featuring over 500 performers. This year's production aims to blend traditional storytelling with a modern stage presence, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the epic. Arya Babbar will be playing the role of Ravana, while Kinshuk Vaidya will portray Ram. The controversy surrounding Poonam Pandey's casting has brought attention to the production and sparked discussions about cultural appropriateness, second chances, and the role of women in society.