Priyanka Chopra speaks up against 'Bajirao Mastani' row, says it is Bhansali's vision

Mumbai: In the wake of allegations that facts have been altered in upcoming film 'Bajirao Mastani', actress Priyanka Chopra, who plays one of the central characters in the film, said that the movie is an epic saga told through the vision of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

'Bajirao Mastani' has landed in controversy with the descendant of Bajirao Peshwa alleging that historical facts have been "altered" while portraying the Maratha king and his wives Kashibai and Mastani in the film.

In a letter written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis yesterday, Bajirao's descendant Prasadrao Peshwe has demanded that the government should review the film, investigate the matter and take a decision accordingly.

"The 'Pinga' dance form is an integral part of Marathi culture and has been transformed into an 'item song' and the costumes and dance direction are on that line," Bajirao's descendant Prasadrao Peshwe alleged.

Asked to comment on the controversy, the host at the trailer launch event said the production house has a clarification. However, Priyanka, who is abroad, chose to answer it.

Talking to reporters via video conference, she said "This film is a part of history. You will see clarification from production house (Eros International) and Sanjay Leela Bhansali (director). This film is based on a book called 'Rao' and that is the author's version of what happened in Bajirao and Mastani's love story. So look at it as a beautiful rendition... Epic saga told from vision of Sanjay Leela Bhansali."

Bhansali went out soon after the trailer was launched. While the leading actors of the film Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone chose to keep mum on the issue. The film is set for release on December 18.