New Delhi: Preparations for the renowned Luv Kush Ramlila at the Red Fort grounds have entered their final stage, with the full-dress rehearsal on Friday offering a glimpse of the grand spectacle scheduled to begin on October 11. Ravana’s glittering 11-kg crown, elaborate costumes and commanding voice emerged as major highlights, while the actors portraying Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman brought key episodes from the Ramayana to life.
Arjun Kumar, president of the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee, introduced the principal cast to the media and outlined this year’s preparations. Actors from the film and television industries will portray the epic’s central characters during the 11-day event, which will continue until October 21.
Television actors take on iconic roles
Devesh Sharma, who will portray Lord Ram, has appeared in television projects including Saam Daam Dand and other productions. Speaking about his selection, Sharma said playing Lord Ram was not merely an acting assignment but a matter of faith, responsibility and privilege.
Kaveri Priyam, who will play Mata Sita, has featured in popular television shows such as Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, Dil Maane Na, Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, Shakti and Ziddi, besides working on OTT projects. She described the role as a significant milestone in her career, noting that Sita represents patience, sacrifice, dignity and inner strength.
Tiger Pankaj Kamad will portray Lord Hanuman. His television credits include roles associated with characters such as Angad, Indradev, Parashuram and Yudhishthir. Kamad said performing as Hanuman on a vast stage before thousands of spectators would be both challenging and memorable.
Veteran actor Raj Premi will play Ravana. Known for his work in Hindi films and television, his credits include Veer, Gadar and the television series Mahabali Hanuman. Special attention has been given to Ravana’s imposing appearance, distinctive voice and powerful stage presence.
Elaborate costumes and specialised makeup
Costume designer Vishnu Patil and his team from Mumbai have spent the past two months preparing outfits for the principal characters. Patil has worked on major television productions, including B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat and Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev, as well as films.
According to Patil, creating Ravana’s weapons, crown and distinctive ornaments is a major part of the preparations each year. Traditional Banarasi and Kanchipuram designs have inspired the costumes for Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita, while special materials and design elements sourced from Mumbai and Rajasthan have been used for Ravana’s attire. This year, Ravana will appear in a heavy, dark-coloured costume complemented by a glittering crown weighing approximately 11 kilograms.
Makeup designer Pankaj Jeevraj Chautalia, who has nearly three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, is overseeing the cast’s makeup and overall appearance. His credits include films such as Bullet Raja and Ragini MMS. He is working with his Mumbai-based team to create distinct looks suited to each character.
140-foot stage to feature grand Meenakshi Temple set
Committee president Arjun Kumar said the production features a stage approximately 140 feet long, 60 feet wide and 45 feet high, with an elaborate set depicting the Meenakshi Temple.
Around 40 skilled artisans from Gujarat, Kolkata, Maharashtra, Mathura and Delhi have contributed to the construction. The organisers aim to combine the storytelling of the Ramayana with elements of traditional Indian temple architecture and craftsmanship.
Kumar said the committee was focused on delivering an immersive experience through grand stage design, elaborate costumes, compelling performances and modern technical effects.
Committee general secretary Subhash Goyal said the Ramlila would run from October 11 to 21, with Dussehra scheduled for October 20. The opening ceremony on October 11 will feature Ganesh Puja, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and MP Praveen Khandelwal expected to participate, according to the organisers.
The combination of television and film artists, intricate costumes, large-scale sets and advanced lighting is expected to be among the main attractions of this year’s production at the historic Red Fort grounds.
