Popular television and film actors are gearing up to play diverse mythological characters in Lav-Kush Ramlila which will be staged in the Capital this October. Like last year, Leela 2016 will see veterans like Raza Murad, Asrani and Surendra Pal taking stage. This celebration of the victory of good over evil gives an opportunity to young and old to soak in the atmosphere of the festivity . Interestingly, this year there is a role reversal. So those who played positive characters last year will don negative shades and vice versa.
According to Raza Murad, veteran Bollywood actor, Ramlila gives him a chance to play a new character each year. “Last year I portrayed the character of Ahiravan (brother of Ravana) and in the upcoming Ramlila I will enact the character of king Janak. I am blessed to be part of Ramlila as it depicts national integration,” said the actor, on the sidelines of a press conference. Surendra Pal, known as Dronacharya in B.R. Chopra’s TV series Mahabharat, will play Parshuram this time. Recalling his tryst with the epic, Pal said: “Ramlila was the primary source of entertainment in my childhood. A small stage was erected and locals waited with abated breath. I am a soft person by nature. So last year when I was offered the character of Ravan, I asked the organisers, ‘Why Ravan?’ And Ashok Agrawal said, ‘An artiste should do all kinds of characters; be it aggressive of regressive’. Fortunately, the roles I have played till date have been strong and larger-than-life. And this year is no different.”
Veteran actor Asrani said, “Last year I portrayed Narad and the kind of applause I got compelled me to come again.” For a change, the senior actor, known for his comic timing, will play Subahu, a demon in the epic. Emphasising the significance of Ramlila, Asrani said, “It is an exceptional show on stage as it promotes companionship and traverses religious boundaries. We are striving to demonstrate our cultural legacy before the next generation.”
Gurleen Chopra, who will portray the character of Sita said she was bracing up for the biggest challenge of her career.
Summing up the event, Ashok Agarwal, President of the Lav Kush committee said: “The idea behind our Ramlila is to generate interest among the young generation about our sacred texts as well as improve the quality of the performance.”
