Archive · 10 Sep 2026
BJP Leader Seeks Removal of Maharana Pratap Song
A song about Maharana Pratap is used in a scene from “Mirzapur: The Movie.”
The scene includes gangster characters and a shootout.
BJP leader Rajendra Rathore says this makes the song’s message about bravery and morality seem connected to crime.
He asked the film certification board to remove the song.
The song was made by Rajasthani singer Rapperiya Balam, whose real name is Ashok Manda Bishnoi.
Bishnoi said he was not asked for permission to use it.
The song refers to Maharana Pratap, his horse Chetak, and the Battle of Haldighati.
The film’s makers’ response to the criticism was not reported in the articles.
Rajendra Rathore urged the Central Board of Film Certification to remove the song “Shoorveer” from “Mirzapur: The Movie.”
Rathore said the song’s association with gangster characters during a shootout disrespects Maharana Pratap’s legacy and hurts public sentiment.
The song, composed and sung by Rajasthani artist Rapperiya Balam, praises Maharana Pratap, his horse Chetak, and the Battle of Haldighati.
Rapperiya Balam, also known as Ashok Manda Bishnoi, said on Instagram that he was not asked for permission and believed the song was misused to glorify villains.
The controversy comes as “Mirzapur: The Movie” approaches Rs 150 crore, with its Hindi version earning Rs 142.05 crore in six days.
- Who
- Rajasthan BJP leader Rajendra Rathore, singer Rapperiya Balam, also known as Ashok Manda Bishnoi, and the Central Board of Film Certification are involved in the dispute.
- What
- Rathore wants the song “Shoorveer” removed from “Mirzapur: The Movie” because he says its use alongside gangster characters disrespects Maharana Pratap’s legacy.
- When
- The complaint was made during the film’s theatrical run; the film opened the previous Friday and had earned six days of reported collections by Wednesday.
- Where
- The dispute concerns the use of the song in “Mirzapur: The Movie,” while Rathore’s political complaint was made from Rajasthan to the film certification board.
- Why
- Rathore said linking a tribute to Maharana Pratap with crime, violence, and gangster culture hurts public sentiment and distorts the song’s original meaning.
- Disputed song
- “Shoorveer”
- Film
- “Mirzapur: The Movie”
- Song artist
- Rapperiya Balam, the stage name of Ashok Manda Bishnoi
- Requested action
- Removal of the song and greater caution over historical references
- Certification body
- Central Board of Film Certification
- Hindi box office
- Rs 142.05 crore after six days, according to the report
- Telugu box office
- Rs 1.17 crore after six days, according to the report
