Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar Writes Letter to CM after Public Fury

Case of hurting religious sentiments through ‘web series’ ‘Devkhel’ on ‘Zee 5’

Mumbai – The teaser of the web series ‘Devkhel’ has been released on the ‘OTT’ platform ‘Zee 5’, telecasting an episode. It has been observed that there is an insulting matter about the local Deity ‘Shankasur’ worshipped in a place viz. Guhagar, alleging that ‘Shankasur’ is the God who kills people. The teaser has thus, hurt religious sentiments of people. Mr Bhaskar Jadhav, MLA of Uddhav Thackeray faction, submitted a memorandum the State Culture Minister Ashish Shelar, demanding immediate withdrawal of the web series ‘Devkhel’. Later, Mr Shelar posted a letter to State Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis on ‘X’, explaining the importance of art and fury of people of Konkan in this context.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, he has mentioned that artists Prajakta Mali and Ankush Chaudhari have hurt the sentiments of the people of Konkan. Attention needs to be paid to the issue urgently as ‘Holi’ festival is round the corner and it wouldn’t be proper to spoil the atmosphere with such issues. (Editorial perspective : Hindus feel that the attention is required not because of forthcoming ‘Holi’ festival; but it is wrong to insult Hindu Deities and, therefore, there is opposition).

Government honours folk art ‘Naman Khel’

State Chief Minister has been continuously trying to preserve and promote the folk art ‘Naman Khel’ under the Maharashtra Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs since the art has a sacred and established status from religious perspective. The State Government has, in fact, organised a festival of this art at Khed in Ratnagiri district from 09.02.2026 to 11.02.2026. This art is presented everywhere in Konkan during the ‘Holi’ festival and then, the State Government felicitates the artists presenting this art by presenting awards. This art has also been included for the felicitation of old artists under the Government’s scheme of honouring senior artists. Mr Shelar has stated in his post that this folk art has been acknowledged by the Maharashtra Government.

Memoranda from various organisations submitted to the Minister of Cultural Affairs warning him of strong Public Sentiments

Mr Shelar has stated that the web-series based on the folk art ‘Naman Khel’ which is popular in Konkan, depicts the art in a distorted manner and the locally worshipped Deity ‘Shankasur’ has also been shown in a derogatory way, as claimed by the local residents. This web series is, therefore, strongly opposed in Konkan. Various organisations of artists who preserve and promote this folk art have also submitted representations to Mr Shelar as a representative of the State Government. ‘Naman Khel’ is a folk art that has acquired religious significance and is a leading folk art that preserves the customs and traditions of Hindus. People, therefore, have strong feelings against distortion of the art and traditions. People’s fury is increasing in Konkan leading to an increasing demand for imposing ban on this web series.