Padmavat is unlucky!

By Ramsha Akhtar

on December 30, 2017

The uncertainty surrounding Padmavati continues. Will Sanjay Leela Bhansali go with the new name ‘Padmavat’ that is being whispered in Bollywood circles as a substitute for the title? Who suggested it to the beleaguered director? The special panel set up by the Central Board of Film Certification to review Padmavati for historical distortions? Or somebody from the Censor Board itself at the feedback session after the screening that Bhansali and the film’s producer, Viacom18, were invited to? Nobody knows! But if Bhansali wants to screen Padmavati, then he must carry out the name change and the 26 cuts suggested by the CBFC.

Actually, there’s no harm in going with Padmavat, because that’s the name of the epic poem written in 1540 by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi on which the film is reportedly based. PeepingMoon.com ran the name past the distinguished astro numerologist Sanjay B Jumaani and sought his feedback. Here is what Jumaani had to say. “Padmavat adds to Number 29 which, unfortunately, does not have a good interpretation. According to Numerology, it hints at grave warnings of hidden dangers, trial and treachery. It has the symbol of the Clenched Hand and a Lion Muzzled and a person who will have great difficulties to contend with.

Mumbai, the financial and film capital of the country, has had three bad tragedies associated with 29 this year. A deluge on August 29, that brought the city to its knees and killed ten. A stampede at Elphinstone Road Station on September 29, in which 23 people lost their lives. And a major blaze yesterday, December 29, at a restobar in Kamala Mills in which 14 died. All occurred on the 29^thday of the month. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s flop film Guzaarish in 2010 also added to 29! Will he now go with Padmavat or change the controversial period drama’s title to something new and different altogether? Only after the title has been changed and the requisite 26 cuts made in the film, and disclaimers introduced, will the CBFC give him the Censor Certificate.