RAMLEELA BEFORE THE FESTIVITIES,

 LUV KUSH RAMLILA COMMITTEE OPPOSES

RANBIR KAPOOR’S ‘RAMAYAN’

NEW DELHI: As preparations for the annual Ramleela gather momentum in the capital, a fresh controversy has emerged over Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Ramayan. The Luv Kush Ramlila Committee, one of the prominent Ramleela organisers in Delhi, expressed its opposition to the film during a press conference at Constitution Club on Sunday, while also unveiling details of its upcoming stage production.

Committee president Arjun Kumar introduced the actors who will portray key characters in this year’s Ramleela. Veteran actor Raj Premi will play Ravan. Known for his role in Sanjay Khan’s Jai Hanuman, Premi has also appeared in several films and mythological television serials. Pental Kanwarjit Singh, who has received a Filmfare Award and other honours, will portray Narad Muni, marking his first appearance in a Ramleela. Actor and singer Shankar Sahney will essay the role of Kevat.

According to Arjun Kumar, the Ramleela will feature a 140-foot-long, 60-foot-wide and 45-foot-high four-storey stage, inspired by the architecture of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Artisans from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Mathura and Vrindavan have been working on the elaborate set. The production will include around one lakh multicolour LED lights, a 31-foot-high Kailash mountain, forest settings and water effects.

The organisers said 3D mapping, a large LED screen and digital sound technology will be used to enhance scenes depicting rivers, forests and battles. The third floor will feature depictions of deities showering flowers, while scenes involving demons and supernatural characters will be staged at a height of nearly 70 feet.

Reacting to recent remarks by actor Swara Bhasker, Arjun Kumar advised her to watch a Ramleela and understand Indian traditions and cultural practices. He also said that the Ramleela Mahasangh remains opposed to Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayan. According to the committee, a letter has been sent to the filmmakers seeking their response, along with a special screening for Ramleela organisers before the film’s release.

e committee said it would oppose the film if, after viewing it, it finds that the Ramayana narrative has been distorted or presented in a manner contrary to its understanding of the epic.

    - Dr. Bilal Ansari