Bollywood stars like Ravi Kishan and Ashutosh Rana have brought the age-old tradition of Ramlila to life, playing iconic roles like Ram, Sita, and even a bear.
Ramlila, the dramatic re-enactment of the Ramayana, has been a major part of Indian festivals like Dussehra and Navratri. It not only celebrates Indian culture but also gives actors a platform to showcase their talent. Over the years, many Bollywood actors have been a part of Ramlila, and their unique experiences add a special charm to this cultural tradition.
Ravi Kishan: From Playing Sita to Sugriva and Kevat
Famous Bhojpuri actor and Bollywood star Ravi Kishan is a familiar face in Ayodhya’s Ramlila, where he has played several roles, including Sugriva and Kevat. However, his journey with Ramlila began at a young age in Jaunpur, where he played the role of Sita, which was unexpected for a boy at that time.
Ravi Kishan fondly recalls that at the age of nine or ten, he borrowed his mother’s saree to play Sita. His performance was memorable, but his father was not pleased with his involvement in the arts, especially in a role typically played by women. This led to some conflicts at home, but Ravi’s love for Ramlila only grew stronger. Despite his father’s disapproval, he continued to participate and eventually took on roles like Angad, Sugriva, and Kevat, which left a lasting impact on him.
Among all the characters, Kevat, the boatman who helped Lord Ram cross the river, remains his favorite. He sees Kevat as a symbol of devotion and selflessness, qualities he admires deeply. Today, Ravi Kishan’s portrayal of characters in Ayodhya’s Ramlila draws crowds, and he’s a regular part of the celebrations.
Ashutosh Rana: The Journey from Monkey to Ravana
Ashutosh Rana, a well-known Bollywood actor, has had a long association with Ramlila since childhood. He has played many roles in the past, including monkeys and warriors, but it’s his portrayal of Ravana that stands out today. According to Ashutosh, Ravana is a complex character, and understanding him helped him better understand the dual nature of good and evil within every individual.
In his youth, Ashutosh Rana performed in local Ramlilas, playing smaller roles such as Angad and Meghnad. However, it was only later in his acting career that he took on the iconic role of Ravana. He believes that playing Ravana has allowed him to explore the deeper themes of the Ramayana, including the battle between positivity (Ram) and negativity (Ravana) within each person.
Ashutosh’s connection to Ramlila doesn’t end there. He has even written a book titled Ramrajya, inspired by the teachings of the Ramayana. For him, Ram represents a divine consciousness, a guiding light that influences every aspect of life. Today, his portrayal of Ravana in plays like Hamara Ram has garnered much appreciation from audiences, who enjoy seeing him bring the character to life on stage.
Samiksha Bhatnagar: Embracing the Role of Sita
Samiksha Bhatnagar, an actress from Rishikesh, has a strong connection to Ramlila, having grown up watching the performances and reciting the Ramayana as a part of her daily life. However, she never imagined that she would one day step into the role of Sita in one of Delhi’s most prestigious Ramlilas, Lavkush Ramlila.
Her first experience playing Sita came in 2021, when she was selected for the role by the Lavkush Ramlila Committee’s chairman, Arjun Kumar. Samiksha’s portrayal of Sita was well-received, and she continues to play the role in Ramlila performances, including a Broadway-style show titled Jai Shri Ram, produced by Mahabharat fame Puneet Issar. For Samiksha, Sita is a symbol of sacrifice, patience, and purity, qualities she admires and tries to reflect in her performance.
Playing Sita on a live stage in front of an audience is a deeply fulfilling experience for Samiksha, who feels honored to represent such a divine character. The connection she feels with Sita goes beyond acting, as she believes that Sita’s story teaches valuable life lessons about devotion and inner strength.
Vineet Kumar Singh: From a School Bear to Symbolic Ram
Actor Vineet Kumar Singh, originally from Ghazipur near Varanasi, recalls how his village was deeply connected to the tradition of Ramlila. In his childhood, he would sit with his grandfather and watch the performances under the light of lanterns. His first experience acting in Ramlila came when he was still a student. At that time, he played a bear, and it was a thrilling experience for him.
As Vineet grew older, his love for Ramlila only deepened. He remembers eagerly waiting for the grand Ramlila performances at UP College in Banaras. According to Vineet, these early experiences laid the foundation for his acting career, instilling in him a love for drama and storytelling.
In more recent years, Vineet was offered a lead role in a modern adaptation of the Ramayana, where he played a symbolic version of Ram. Although the film didn’t materialize due to its sensitive subject matter, Vineet believes that his experience in Ramlila helped shape his understanding of what it means to play a character like Ram.
Malini Awasthi: Singing Shabari’s Praises
Folk singer Malini Awasthi has been a regular performer in Ayodhya’s Ramlila, playing the role of Shabari, a devoted follower of Lord Ram. While her main career is in music, her connection to Ramlila began at the age of eight when she first played Ram in a small Ramlila in Kannauj.
For Malini, portraying Shabari is special because it allows her to combine her love of music and acting. During her performances, she sings devotional songs that enhance the emotional depth of Shabari’s character. Malini sees Shabari as more than just a devotee—she views her as a wise woman whose guidance helped Ram and Lakshman in their search for Sita.
Malini’s most recent performance as Shabari was affected by bad weather, but her connection to the role remains strong. For her, playing Shabari is a way to connect with her roots in folk music and Indian culture.
Raza Murad: From Rampur to King Dasharatha
Veteran actor Raza Murad has played various characters in Ramlila over the past 12 years, from King Dasharatha to Vishwamitra and Parashurama. His connection to Ramlila is deep-rooted, as he was born in Rampur, a place that holds great cultural significance in his life.
Raza fondly recalls his work in Bollywood films like Ram Teri Ganga Maili and Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela, which further strengthened his bond with Ramayana-themed stories. He shares a fascinating anecdote about legendary actor Pran, who once played Sita in a Ramlila in Shimla, alongside actor Madan Puri, who played Ram.
For Raza, performing in Ramlila is not just about acting—it’s a way to preserve and promote Indian culture and heritage. He believes that the tradition of Ramlila provides an important platform for actors to explore different facets of their talent, and he continues to take pride in his participation every year.
