In a recent turn of events, the Mayor of Kathmandu, Balendra Shah, issued an order to halt the screening of all Bollywood films in Nepalese cinema halls. This decision comes as a result of a dispute over the film Adipurush, where a dialogue referring to Sita as the "daughter of India" sparked controversy. The Mayor, along with many Nepalese citizens, consider this portrayal to be misleading since Sita is traditionally believed to be the daughter of King Janak of Janakpur. This article explores the ongoing conflict, shedding light on the historical and cultural significance behind Nepal's objection to the portrayal of Sita in Adipurush.
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Activists of a Hindu organization in Sigra protest against the movie ‘Adipurush’ at a mall, in Varanasi, on June 18, 2023. |
The Significance of Sita in Nepal:
Nepal takes immense pride in its association with Sita, the female protagonist of the ancient epic Ramayana. According to popular belief, Sita resided in Janakpur, Nepal, where her father, King Janak, ruled his kingdom. Due to this deep-rooted connection, Sita is often referred to as Janaki, the daughter of Janak. The depiction of Sita as an Indian woman in Adipurush has sparked a nationalistic sentiment in Nepal, leading to a clash of narratives and a strong emphasis on protecting the country's sovereignty, independence, and self-respect.
The Controversial Dialogue:
Mayor Balendra Shah, representing the sentiments of the Nepalese people, demanded the removal of the objectionable dialogue from Adipurush. The dialogue in question, referring to Sita as the "daughter of India," was deemed misleading and factually incorrect. As Nepal values its historical and cultural heritage, this portrayal was seen as an affront to the nation's identity. In response, the Mayor issued the order to ban all Indian films in Kathmandu until the objectionable content was removed from Adipurush.
Strained Nepal-India Relations:
This recent controversy surrounding Adipurush adds to the list of disputes between Nepal and India in recent years. The long-standing territorial dispute over Kalapani remains unresolved, and tensions were further heightened when the mural of Akhand Bharat in the new Indian Parliament depicted Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, as part of ancient Indian territory. Nepal has consistently emphasized the importance of both Lumbini and Janakpur in its cultural and historical identity, as they hold significant religious and mythological value for both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Past Controversies and Bollywood's Influence:
Controversies over Indian films in Nepal are not new, despite the cultural ties shared between the two nations. In 2000, riots and protests erupted in Nepal due to reported anti-Nepal comments made by Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, straining the relationship between Nepal and Bollywood. However, it is worth noting that many individuals with Nepalese roots, such as Manisha Koirala and Udit Narayan, have played important roles in bridging the cultural gap between the two countries as cultural ambassadors.
The ban on Adipurush in Nepal, fueled by the objection to a dialogue referring to Sita as the "daughter of India," showcases the deep-rooted connection the country has with its cultural and historical heritage. This clash of narratives reflects the Nepalese people's strong desire to protect their identity and sovereignty. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the filmmakers and stakeholders involved will respond to the demands of Nepal, keeping in mind the sensitivities and rich history associated with the revered figure of Sita.
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