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In a new turn of events, Rajput groups protesting against Padmavati on Monday asked for a change in the title and a review before its release even as Bhansali Productions made it clear there is no romantic dream sequence between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji.
The demand was raised at a joint press conference which was convened by Rajput Sabha to announce that the Karni Sena and it agree over the issues raised.
However, later in the evening, founder and patron of the Karni Sena, Lokendra Singh Kalvi, clarified that the change of the movie’s title was only a suggestion.
"Change of the title is our suggestion and we are not adamant if this cannot happen. Karni Sena is satisfied on their written assurance that there will be no intimate scene or dream sequence," Kalvi told reporters.
Earlier in the day, some Karni members Sena demanded that the movie’s title should be changed and there should be no film in the name of Padmavati at all which was supported by state Karni Sena chief Mahipal Singh.
Shobha Sant, chief executive officer of Bhansali Productions, however, said the demand for change in the title did not come up in previous discussions with the group.
"They have made this fresh demand for which I have nothing to say anything. This is not in my jurisdiction. They also did not raise this point in our discussion held before," she said.
"There is no romantic dream sequence or any objectionable/romantic scene between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khijli. It was not a part of the script. It was misconception and considering the sentiments of the community, we have clarified to them," she added.
Union minister Giriraj Singh also demanded that there should be no distortion of historical facts in the movie.
"The opposition over distortion of historical facts was right. The film is being made by those for whom Aurangzeb and such personalities are their icon," he told reporters in Jaipur, adding no attempt to distort historical facts will be tolerated.
State Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has also said there should be no distortion of historical facts.
He said the state government would provide security cover for the shooting, if requested.
He also said the incident happened but no first information report was lodged, adding some members from Bhansali’s team had met him earlier but he had no knowledge when the shooting started.
Karni Sena members created a ruckus and manhandled Bhansali while the director was shooting the movie at Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur on Friday.
The incident drew sharp reactions from the film industry with members demanding action against the attackers.
Bhansali's production house released a statement clarifying the ‘misconception’ about the story but the team also cancelled its shooting in the city.
IMAGE: Karni Sena leader Lokendra Singh Kalvi with other leaders addressing the press in Jaipur. Photograph: PTI Photo