Actress and PETA India supporter Rupali Ganguly has written an official letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging a ban on elephant rides in India and encouraging the use of robotic elephants and other non-animal alternatives instead of animal performances. Her appeal comes after a Russian photographer, Julia Buruleva, painted a real elephant named Chanchal bright pink for a photoshoot in Jaipur, after which the animal reportedly died.
Rupali Ganguly Urges PM Modi To Ban Elephant Rides
Rupali also expressed her shared respect for wildlife with the Prime Minister. As quoted by PETA India, she wrote, "This incident has upset people across India and beyond, reflecting how strongly the public now feels against elephant exploitation."
'Protect Our National Heritage Animal From Use In Cruel Spectacles'
Further, the actress appealed that on World Wildlife Day, PM Modi highlighted the importance of wildlife protection, and in this spirit, she respectfully urged that India end all elephant rides, as Indonesia has done, and encourage the use of robotic elephants, decorated electric vehicles, and other non-animal alternatives to protect the national heritage animal from cruel spectacles.
Photographer Reacts To Rupali Ganguly's Appeal
Reacting to Rupali's appeal after Chanchal's death, the photographer commented on PETA India's Instagram post and wrote, "I don’t know who spread this misinformation, but what I’ve been told is that the elephant passed away recently due to old age. The photoshoot took place a few months earlier and could not have had any impact on it. Check your sources carefully please."
Photographer Adresses Backlash
Earlier, the photographer also claimed that only organic colours were used and insisted that the animal was not harmed during the shoot.
Addressing the criticism, she told HT.com that the paint used was safe, non-toxic, and washable and that the session was brief. She added that she understands and shares the view that animals should always be kept in good conditions and never subjected to violence.
The photographer said that at the same time, she believes it is important to find a healthy balance that allows humans to connect with nature and living beings respectfully and mindfully.
