Simi Garewal plays mediator for Padmavati, speaks with influential Maharani Padmini

In a surprising and optimistic move, Simi Garewal, a self-proclaimed diehard fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s cinema, has come forward to broker peace with the highly influential Maharani Padmini of Jaipur on behalf of the beleaguered Padmavati team. Informed sources tell us that Simi, a long-standing friend of the Maharani, took it upon herself to play peacemaker for Bhansali.

And the results seem encouraging. The Karni Sena, which is extremely deferential to the Maharani, is expected to be summoned by her any time soon to draw up a peace plan.

Apparently, Maharani Padmini, an admirer of Bhansali’s cinema herself, has expressed misgivings only about Rani Padmavati being shown dancing in the Ghoomar song.

In a long conversation that lasted nearly an hour, the Maharani apparently told Simi that the Ghoomar did not exist during the time of Rani Padmavati, and artistic license notwithstanding, Maharanis would not dance in public as shown in the film.

Says Simi, “Yes, I spoke to the Maharani, who exercises tremendous clout over cultural developments in Jaipur. She pointed out that the Ghoomar was the only problematic issue in the trailer and that there was actually no other problem.”

Simi now intends to organise a meeting between Maharani Padmini and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The director, who has met the Maharani in the past, is expected to discuss the film’s content with her, followed by a private screening of the film.
“Once the Maharani approves, the protests will automatically die down,” says a hopeful Simi.