Row over Prajakta Mali’s performance at Trimbakeshwar

Nashik: A row erupted on Tuesday, a day before the scheduled dance performance of actor Prajakta Mali at Trimbakeshwar temple on Maha Mahashivaratri, after several people objected.
"There are some people who have objected to Mali's performance at Trimbakeshwar temple scheduled on Wednesday. The venue for Tuesday's and Thursday's programmes is the same as the one for Prajakta Mali's performance on Wednesday. We don't know why people are objecting to a classical dance programme," said Manoj Thete, one of the trustees of the temple.
However, several people, including former trustees of the temple, opposed Mali's performance, saying it would draw large crowds and may lead to a law and order situation.
Thete said Mali, during her visit to the temple in the past, expressed her desire to "offer" her "service" to Lord Trimbakeshwar and, therefore, her ‘Shivarpanamastu' programme was organised here.
"We wonder what people are objecting to? This is a classical programme and not any folk dance show. We have presented our say to the chairman of the Shri Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust," said Thete.
Thete said the objection raised was discussed with the chairman of the trust. The chairman will decide whether to go ahead with the programme or not. The decision is awaited.
In her message, Prajakta Mali pointed out that she completed ‘Visharad' and ‘Alankar' from Bharatnatyam, and her performance was only limited to classical dance, as has been the tradition of the temple.
"I am following the tradition of the temple and presenting only classical dance. People should not trust rumours," she said, adding, "As far as the fear of a stampede is concerned, the decision of the temple trust and police will be binding upon me."