Bajirao Mastani lands itself in trouble

Recently released song from the movie Bajirao Mastani, ‘Pinga’, seems to be grabbing a lot of eyeballs since the day it has released. While some seem to be left grooving to it, many people have blamed Sanjay Leela Bhansali for not doing any research before filming it and trying to bollywoodize it. Mohini Karkarey, a descendant of Peshwa Bajirao, has lashed out at the director for not getting his facts right. In an open letter, she has stated certain facts which will change the way you look and think about the song. According to him, right from music to steps to costume, nothing falls in place. She mentions how Kashibai could not have danced as she was suffering from arthritis. Further, he has also added that Mastani was not a courtesan, but the daughter of Raja Chatrasaal of Bundelkhand. This is how the letter goes-

Mr Bhansali,

The time has now come to speak out, to speak out against the picturisation in the song and certain scenes from your movie, Bajirao Mastani. The latest song Pinga and the dance sequence which you have promoted have a lot of undesirable elements.

This is not fiction, Mr Bhansali. You have portrayed real people who have been recorded in history. The Peshwas ruled for more than 100 years. Did you do any research at all? Did you, for instance, understand the life and times of people in the 1700s? Do you know and understand their behavioural pattern?

Here are a few recorded facts for your perusal:
Fact 1: Kashibai Saheb was suffering from tuberculosis and had arthritis. Due to this she had a limp.

Fact 2: Kashibai would never get into a dance routine even if she was healthy because that was not in the culture.

Fact 3: The costumes shown in the song Pinga were never worn by royal families or even normal women. The way the nauvari was draped did not show even an ounce of skin.

Fact 4: Kashibai and Mastani met only once in their lifetime and that too formally.

Fact 5: Kashibai was the daughter of Mahadji Krishna Joshi from Chaas and was known as Chaskar Joshi. Her descendants are still alive.

Fact 6: Mastani was not a courtesan or dancer. She was the daughter of Raja Chatrasaal of Bundelkhand. She was married to Bajirao and was his second wife. Mastani’s descendants, the Nawabs of Banda, will give you enough proof of this.
Proof of all the facts is available on Peshwe Gharanyacha Itihas by Mr Pramod Oak and you will find plenty more proof here in Peshwe Daptar.

Bajirao was a great warrior second only to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. With this so called love story you have made a mockery of him. You have insulted the very essence of Maharashtrian families. This will definitely create a flawed image about such a great personality and his family.

Mohini Karkarey

When asked about the same to Deepika Padukone, she said, ”Yes, I read some stories today. But I have no idea what it’s all about.” Speaking about her own opinion she added,”I think the best person to talk about this would be Sanjay Leela Bhansali and I guess, I would rather let him clear it.”

With the trailer already out, only time shall tell how the film unveils and how is the audiences response to it. Stay tuned for more.

[Written by Neha Lad]

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