BJP legislator demands removal of Deepika Padukone dance sequence from King

Ravinder Singh Negi, a BJP legislator from Himachal Pradesh, has called for the removal of a dance sequence from the Bollywood film King, citing concerns about religious sentiments. Negi objected to actor Deepika Padukone performing a dance while wearing saffron-coloured attire, describing it as disrespectful to Hindu religious traditions.

In a statement on social media, Negi asserted that the sequence amounts to an affront to Sanatan Dharma and demanded its deletion from the film. He further warned that the production would face obstacles to its theatrical release if the controversial scene remained intact.

The controversy marks the latest instance of political figures and activist groups scrutinizing Bollywood content over perceived religious sensitivities. King, featuring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, is set for theatrical release and has already generated significant anticipation among audiences.

The film's producers have not yet issued a public response to the legislator's demands. Similar controversies over religious imagery and cultural representation in Indian cinema have periodically triggered calls for scene modifications or film bans from various political quarters.