A recent play titled “Jab We Met” organized by Lalit Kala Kendra students at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) took an unexpected turn as members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) raised objections over alleged offensive dialogues and scenes, sparking chaos on the university grounds.
The play, which delved into the personal lives of actors portraying characters from the Ramayana, faced accusations of distorting the epic and causing offense to religious sentiments. Despite being written and directed by a Lalit Kala Kendra student, objections from ABVP activists against specific dialogues led to the disruption of the theatrical production.
In the drama, Lord Ram and Lord Sita were portrayed as clowns, with Lord Ram subjected to insults and offensive language. ABVP Pune members took a stand against what they perceived as disrespectful depictions of Hindu deities, insisting that such language should not be tolerated, and action should be taken against those responsible.
The play aimed to showcase the rehearsal journey of actors involved in Ramlila, providing a unique perspective. However, it faced criticism for being confusing, with artists defending it as an exploration of the actors’ experiences rather than a mockery of Lord Ram.
In response to the incident, Shiva Barole, the ABVP unit chief at Pune University, highlighted objections to offensive depictions and reported the matter to the police. Barole called for the filing of a case against the alleged offenders, emphasizing the need for action.
Confirming the incident, an official from the Chaturshringi police station stated that it was a verbal confrontation between students and ABVP members. Both groups have been summoned to provide their statements.
