Mulayam`s daughter-in-law dances into Padmavati controversy

Lucknow: Even as the controversy over Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s `Padmavati` is yet to die down, a dance by Aparna Yadav, a daughter-in-law of Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, on the movie`s song has created a political furore.

Aparna Yadav danced to the `Ghoomar` song of the yet-to-be-released movie while celebrating her younger brother Aman Bisht`s engagement ceremony at a five-star hotel in Lucknow on Saturday, raising the hackles of elements opposed to the film.

In a video clipping which has since gone viral on the social media, Aparna Yadav is seen leading a group of women dancers on stage at the family function.

The song has been picturised on Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone in the film.

"It is sad that a prominent political family`s member has chosen to behave in such a fashion. It is as if she is trying to tease us and rub salt in our wounds," a leader of Karni Sena, which is bitterly opposing the movie`s release without changes, said.

The Karni Sena is particularly miffed at this particular song which, it contends, shows Rajput women dancing in public, which is not a depiction of the reality of the past.

Aparna Yadav, who is married to Mulayam Singh`s younger son Prateek, has spoken her mind openly on many political issues and ruffled feathers in the past.

She unsuccessfully contested the Lucknow Cantt seat in the February-March assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has decided against the release of `Padmavati` in the state. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar and Punjab too have banned the film`s release.

Padmavati was scheduled for release on December 1, but it has been deferred since. It awaits clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification.