India, Sept. 22 -- It's the much-beloved time of the year again, when residents across the city flock to catch a glimpse of an epic story of good prevailing over evil, the Ramleela, a live enactment of the Ramayana, which brings together renowned actors to portray complex characters or reprise roles they have played in popular shows and films.

However, the event this year, is not without controversy, as political parties have hit out at the choice of casting, objecting especially to model-actor Poonam Pandey playing the role of Mandodari, wife of Ravan by the Luv Kush committee. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the decision, saying she has not played any positive role.

Praveen Shankar Kapoor, chief spokesperson of ...