The upcoming edition of Delhi's renowned Love-Kush Ramlila is set to feature several prominent artists stepping into significant mythological roles on stage. Veteran actor Raj Premi has been cast to portray Ravana, while experienced actor Kanwaljit Paintal will appear as Narad for the very first time. Additionally, popular Bollywood singer Shankar Sahni will be seen playing the devoted follower Kevat, who is known for his deep reverence for Lord Rama.
Artists Share Their Excitement for Mythological Roles
During a media interaction, these artists expressed immense enthusiasm about bringing their respective characters to life. The conversation also touched upon the recent controversy surrounding Swara Bhasker and her remarks regarding the Jauhar scene from the film ‘Padmaavat’, prompting individual reactions from all three performers regarding the ongoing debate.
Raj Premi Discusses the Complexity of Playing Ravana
Discussing his upcoming performance, Raj Premi noted that portraying Ravana is an exceptionally demanding task. He described the character as larger than life, emphasizing that his stage presence must match the grandeur of the role so that when Lord Rama defeats him, the antagonist appears as a formidable challenge. Reflecting on his past television work, Premi mentioned that he previously played Hanuman in the classic series ‘Jai Hanuman’, a role that remains close to his heart. However, he considers Ravana one of his favorite characters, adding that while the figure is traditionally viewed negatively, he aims to portray the emotional depth and diverse facets of the persona on stage.
Reactions to the Swara Bhasker Controversy
Addressing the controversy sparked by Swara Bhasker’s comments on ‘Padmaavat’, Raj Premi remarked that statements are occasionally mistranslated, noting that Bhasker herself clarified that her words were misinterpreted. He added that further dwelling on the matter is unnecessary, while reiterating his deep pride in Hinduism as one of the oldest faiths in the world.
Kanwaljit Paintal Steps onto the Ramlila Stage for the First Time
Veteran actor Kanwaljit Paintal is gearing up for his debut appearance on a Ramlila stage. Pointing to his extensive career, Paintal recalled playing Shikhandi in B.R. Chopra’s acclaimed series ‘Mahabharat’ and Narad in Hema Malini’s mythological television show ‘Jai Mata Ki’. He emphasized that every mythological role possesses a distinct temperament, making each experience unique. Calling it a matter of good fortune to receive an invitation for such a prominent platform, the seasoned stage performer expressed great excitement. When asked about Swara Bhasker, Paintal dismissed the remarks as foolishness, stating that he prefers to avoid such controversies entirely.
Meanwhile, Bollywood singer Shankar Sahni will take on the role of Kevat in the Love-Kush Ramlila. Sahni stated that Kevat's unwavering love and dedication toward Lord Rama constitute the core beauty of the character, noting that he will channel these emotions through his writing and singing. He highlighted the washing of Lord Rama's feet as his favorite sequence. Having previously played King Dasharatha in a Ramlila where musical integration was minimal, Sahni found the role of Kevat particularly engaging due to its blend of acting and music. Commenting strongly on Swara Bhasker's remarks, Sahni stated that such statements reflect a person's mindset and questioned the rationale of artists supporting her viewpoint.
