Controversy Surrounds Bollywood Film ‘Chhava’ Over Lezim Dance Scene

Mumbai — The upcoming Bollywood film Chhava, based on the life of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has sparked controversy in Maharashtra over a scene depicting the king performing the traditional lezim folk dance. Actor Vicky Kaushal plays the titular role of Sambhaji Maharaj, while actress Rashmika Mandanna portrays Maharani Yesubai, his wife.

The trailer, released last week, faced backlash from sections of the public and political leaders who accused the filmmakers of taking undue cinematic liberties with the revered historical figure.

Objections from Descendants and Political Leaders

Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, a descendant of Sambhaji Maharaj and former Rajya Sabha MP, voiced his concerns about the depiction, particularly questioning the use of the lezim dance. “It is not in line with historical accounts,” he said, calling for filmmakers to exercise caution when portraying cultural icons.

On Saturday, Maharashtra’s Minister for Industries & Marathi Language, Uday Samant, called for a screening of the film for experts before its release. In a post on X, he remarked, “It is a matter of joy that a Hindi film is being made based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj… However, this film should not be released without showing it to knowledgeable historians.”

Director Agrees to Remove Controversial Scene

Responding to the criticism, the film’s director, Laxman Utekar, met with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Monday and announced that the contentious scene would be removed.

“We envisioned Maharaj as a 20-year-old who could have performed the lezim, as it is an integral part of Maratha culture,” Utekar explained. “But if the depiction has hurt anyone’s sentiments, we will remove it.”

The MNS, known for its strong stance on cultural and regional issues, has previously led agitations against Bollywood films for perceived misrepresentations of Marathi culture. Raj Thackeray, who maintains cordial ties with Bollywood celebrities, reportedly facilitated the resolution.

Historical Films and Creative Liberties

This is not the first time a Bollywood film has faced criticism over its portrayal of historical figures. A decade ago, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani drew protests from the descendants of Peshwa Bajirao for its dramatic song sequences. Despite the objections, the film was released after minor adjustments.

The Lezim Dance Tradition

The lezim, a traditional folk dance of Maharashtra, has deep cultural significance and is often performed during festive events like Ganesh Chaturthi and marriage processions. As described by renowned scholar Kapila Vatsyayan in Traditions of Indian Folk Dance, the lezim involves rigorous physical movements such as stepping, squatting, and jumping, often accompanied by dhol or dhalgi beats.

While the dance is rooted in cultural celebrations, its incorporation in school physical education drills has made it widely recognizable.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: A Brief Legacy

Born in 1657, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. After ascending the throne in 1681 following a succession battle, Sambhaji led the Marathas in several battles against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Despite defending key forts, he was captured and executed by the Mughals in 1689.

Sambhaji Maharaj is remembered for his valor and contributions to preserving the Maratha legacy, making him a revered figure in Indian history.

As Chhava gears up for its release, the filmmakers face the challenge of balancing creative storytelling with historical accuracy to honor Sambhaji Maharaj’s enduring legacy.

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