Entry to the famous Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan was closed on Friday in protest against filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming movie Padmavati, which some claim has distorted historical facts.
“We have closed the first gate known as Padan Pol gate since 10am. We are not allowing anyone to enter the fort. It is a peaceful protest and will continue till 6pm,” member of Sarv Samaj Protest Committee Ranjit Singh said.
Tourists visiting the fort were requested to go back, he added.
On an average over 3,000-4,000 tourists visit the fort starting from October, as the tourist season picks up.
“We have just started our protest and around 400-450 people are sitting on dharna outside the gate. The number is likely to increase as the day progresses,” said K.K. Sharma, a member of the protest committee.
The police, however, said the number of protestors was not more than 250.
The protestors demand that the movie, based on the life of Rani Padmini or Padmavati, who was queen of Chittorgarh, should not be released. The film stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles. It’s scheduled to relase in the UAE on November 30.
