The traditional Ramlila staged in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, has preserved a celebrated heritage spanning four centuries, drawing admiration from across the country for its distinct theatrical craft. The true strength of this historical enactment lies in its performers, who do not merely deliver lines on a stage but fully immerse their personalities into the mythical figures they portray. Artists traveling from Raebareli have long been instrumental in sustaining this living tradition. This season, the stage continues to shine through the remarkable dedication of young Raunak Tiwari, veteran stage artist Raja Bhaiya Tiwari, and child actor Raj Tiwari.
Youthful Poise Embodying the Virtue of Lord Ram
Portraying the central figure of Lord Ram, Raunak Tiwari is merely 12 to 14 years of age, yet his stage presence commands the reverence of a seasoned theater professional. Having enacted this divine character for the past 3 consecutive years, Raunak undergoes rigorous training under his mentor, who coaches him in reciting complex verses and shlokas with absolute devotion during live performances. His disciplined delivery lends a distinctive spiritual resonance to the entire narrative.
Raunak reflects that because Lord Ram symbolizes truth and moral boundaries, he consciously attempts to uphold those righteous virtues in his everyday personal routine. He frequently finds that local spectators continue to address him with profound reverence even after he steps off the stage and sheds his costume. This deep public respect reminds him of the heightened responsibility he carries as a role model. While adapting to such a momentous role was demanding during his initial season, continuous daily rehearsals have turned the performance into a natural expression for him.
Three Decades of Mastery and the Thundering Laugh of Ravana
Bringing formidable energy to the antagonist role of Ravana, Raja Bhaiya Tiwari stands out as one of the most seasoned and celebrated faces in the Ghazipur production. Spanning a career of 25 to 30 years in this historic staging, his artistic repertoire extends far beyond the ruler of Lanka. Over the decades, he has seamlessly stepped into diverse and challenging roles including Manthara, Sage Parashurama, and Shabari whenever the troupe required his versatility. He maintains that while his external persona depicts ruthless vanity on stage, his inner devotion remains completely anchored in reverence for Lord Ram, as the very essence of playing Ravana is demonstrating the ultimate defeat of arrogance.
The deep timbre of Raja Bhaiya's voice and his chilling theatrical laughter serve as headline attractions of the annual event. To enhance the dramatic impact for the massive crowds gathering on Dussehra, his resonant laughter has been recorded in an audio studio for the past 3 years. When this booming, sinister chuckle blares through high-powered sound systems on the climactic evening of the festival, it transforms the entire grounds into an electrifying theatrical experience.
Emotional Depth in Portraying Sita and the Exile Episode
Entrusted with the sacred portrayal of Mata Sita, Raj Tiwari is about two to three years younger than Raunak, and he too has been playing this pivotal role for 3 years. In the beginning, memorizing lengthy dialogues and mastering the gentle, graceful mannerisms demanded extensive coaching and persistence. Through dedicated rehearsals, he has developed a natural ease in depicting the strength and serenity of the character.
Raj notes that the poignant sequence depicting Ram's departure for the forest, known as Ram Vangaman, remains his most cherished moment on stage. Enacting that profound parting evokes an intense emotional and spiritual connection within him, deepening his appreciation for traditional cultural heritage and enduring values. Through the relentless commitment of such devoted actors, Ghazipur's four-hundred-year-old dramatic heritage continues to thrive with timeless vigor.
