New Delhi: Renowned film and television actor Rajpremi will portray Ravana at the world-famous Luv Kush Ramlila, staged annually at Delhi’s historic Ramlila Maidan. The announcement was made during a press conference at Constitution Club, where Luv Kush Ramlila Committee president Arjun Kumar introduced the artistes who will play key roles this year.
Rajpremi, who has appeared in several films and mythological television productions, including a leading role in Sanjay Khan’s Jai Hanuman, will take on the role of Ravana. Veteran actor Pental Kanwarjeet Singh will portray Narad Muni, while popular actor and singer Shankar Sahney will play the important role of Kevat. For Pental, this will be his first appearance as Narad Muni in a live Ramlila.
The organisers said this year’s production will feature an elaborate set inspired by the world-famous Meenakshi Temple of Madurai. A 140-foot-long, 60-foot-wide and 45-foot-high, four-storey structure is being created with the help of artisans from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Mathura and Vrindavan. The set will incorporate temple carvings, domes and pillars reflecting Indian craftsmanship and will be illuminated with nearly one lakh multicolour LED lights.
The production will also feature a 31-foot Mount Kailash and elaborate forest settings. Advanced visual effects will transform the stage into a river during the sequence in which Kevat ferries Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman across the water. Forest scenes will incorporate sounds and visual elements depicting birds, animals and nature. A large LED display measuring 135 by 14 feet, 3D mapping effects and Dolby digital sound will further enhance the performances.
The organisers said the third level of the stage will depict celestial scenes, with gods appearing to shower flowers on Lord Ram. During battle sequences, ghosts, demons and other supernatural figures will appear at heights of up to 70 feet, accompanied by specialised digital sound effects.
Arjun Kumar also commented on recent statements by actor Swara Bhasker concerning Sanatan Hindu traditions and urged her to understand the cultural and spiritual traditions depicted in the Ramayana before commenting on them. He further said that the Ramlila Mahasangh remains firm on its decision to seek a special screening of Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming Ramayana before its release. The organisers said they would oppose any portrayal they believe distorts the original epic.
Committee general secretary Subhash Goyal said the Ramlila will be staged from October 11 to October 21, with Ravana Dahan scheduled for October 20, coinciding with Dussehra celebrations.
The committee also announced a mega health camp at Lal Qila Maidan on September 17, the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Organised jointly by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Narayan Seva Sansthan, Tara Netralaya and other organisations, the camp will provide free assistive devices, tricycles, spectacles and hearing aids, along with eye examinations and screening for surgeries.
Rajpremi said playing Ravana at the historic Lal Qila Maidan was a matter of great pride and thanked the committee for the opportunity. Pental said his extensive experience in mythological television had prepared him for the live portrayal of Narad Muni, while Shankar Sahney said he had been associated with Ramlila for several years and was looking forward to playing Kevat this year.
Committee chairman Pawan Gupta said the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony will be held on September 20, with Union ministers, MPs, MLAs, municipal councillors and other dignitaries expected to attend. A cultural programme will also be organised on the occasion. The organisers said several political leaders, theatre artistes and prominent personalities from the sporting world are expected to appear in different roles during this year’s Ramlila.
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