'Chhaava' Controversy: Director Laxman Utekar To Remove 'Lezim' Dance Sequence From Film Following Protests

Laxman Utekar, director of the Marathi film 'Chhaava' based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has agreed to delete a 'lezim' dance sequence from the movie. This follows protests from several activists and ministers. The scene shows the famous Maratha king dancing and playing the 'lezim'. On Sunday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, said film makers should show sensitivity along with creativity. 

Utekar explained  that he had visualised  Sambhaji Maharaj as a 20-year-old in the movie and hence included a sequence showing him dance to the 'lezim' after winning a battle. He said he revered the Maratha king and had no intention to hurt anyone's sentiments. Incidentally, when an adverse reference was made about Chhatrapati Maharaj in  a book a few years ago, no one protested.

"Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's history should be shown correctly. It is not right to distort history. Everyone has a lot of love and respect for Sambhaji Maharaj. This respect and honour should not (cause) hurt. There should be creativity (in filmmaking) but we believe that there should be sensitivity along with it," Fadnavis had observed.