Anjali Arora Defends Sita Casting: 'Not Ashamed of Dancing'

Actor and digital creator Anjali Arora has responded to online backlash over her latest film role. She portrays Mata Sita in the upcoming feature Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha. She addressed the criticism directly during the official trailer launch on Thursday.

The casting decision drew sharp reactions from social media users in recent weeks. Critics questioned whether an internet creator known for dance videos should play a sacred figure.

Speaking to reporters at the event, Arora stated that the negative reactions did not hurt her. She noted that public figures naturally face constant scrutiny from audiences.

No, I didn't feel sad about it because we are public figures. We have given the public the right to judge us, Arora said. She stated that viewers hold the authority to like or dislike any performance.

Arora firmly defended her dance background against online comments targeting her past content. She explained that dancing is a normal part of the entertainment craft.

"People are trolling me that I used to dance, so how can I play the role of Mata Sita?" she asked. "Everyone dances; which actor doesn’t dance? I love to dance; it is my hobby.

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I am not ashamed of it."

The actor urged audiences to assess her purely on her acting performance on screen. She emphasized that actors commit fully to every character assigned to them.

We are actors; whatever character is offered to us, we will portray it by giving our 100 per cent, Arora added. She noted that final judgment rests with viewers once the complete film arrives.

Arora also asked moviegoers to look beyond her digital social media profile. My only aim is that when the audience watches the movie, they keep my personal life and personality aside, she said.

Arora first gained widespread national attention through her viral dance video on the song Kacha Badam. She later expanded her media presence by appearing on the reality show Lock Upp and starring in popular music videos.

Some online commenters argued that her viral internet persona clashed with traditional perceptions of Sita Maa. However, the production team has backed her performance throughout the promotional rollout.

Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha is directed by filmmaker Abhishek Singh. The film presents a new retelling of the ancient Indian epic for modern cinema audiences.

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Dev Sharma plays the lead role of Lord Rama opposite Arora. Rajniesh Duggal portrays Ravan, Sheel Verma plays Lakshman, and Nirbhay Wadhwa appears as Hanuman.

The project is produced by Prakash Mahobiya and Sanjay Bundela under the Mahobiya Films banner. It is scheduled to release in theatres nationwide on September 25 in both Hindi and Chhattisgarhi languages.

The theatrical debut arrives before director Nitesh Tiwari releases his big-budget project, Ramayana: Part One. That separate adaptation features Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi in lead roles.