Being Ram, in role and spirit

He has been part of movies, short films and plays but as an artiste, theatre actor Karthik Sree from Alappuzha would probably rate his latest experience as the most outstanding one so far. Karthik, who was worked in films like Dustbin and Love Bonda, recently played the role of Lord Ram in the much-revered play Ramlila. He was part of the show staged by Naini Ramlila Committee in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Unlike the performances in which the artistes’ process of getting ready mostly involves outward application of makeup, this was a different experience, the actor reveals. “The play had a divine aura about it that we felt remaining internally cleansed is also pivotal to this performance,” says Karthik. He adds, “The entire team shunned alcohol and non-vegetarian food for almost a month. We felt that would help us do justice to the sanctity of the story. It brought in a difference to our demeanour as well.” The preparation process continued to challenge the team as three members among them, including Karthik, met with accidents during their time in Prayagraj. “The city was getting renovated around the time, which made it difficult to commute via its roads. All three of us met with the accidents at different locations of the city but managed to narrowly escape. However, we could sense the intervention of a divine power in saving our lives,” he says.
Karthik was a footballer growing up but had to quit playing midway owing to certain unfortunate incidents. His dad, an army man, had played a small role in the Suresh Gopi film Kashmeeram. “It’s him who encouraged me to take up acting. I started my acting career through a short film named Tanu and the album song Mizhi,” remembers Karthik. He has also been part of plays such as Jaanch Padtal, Madharipur Junction and Hum Kyun Aaye.
While on stage for Ramlila, from the minute the actors stepped into the shoes of the characters, a spiritual aura continued to embrace them, Karthik says. “The audience were so rapt in attention that we felt the many events lined up in the play, be it the Ram–Sita wedding, Sita’s abduction by Ravan and more felt like real-life experiences that we are being part of. People were even seen shedding tears upon getting glimpses of Ram and Sita together. While we were in the green room, many came in and touched our feet, seeking blessings! We were stunned, but happy for our performances getting accepted,” says Karthik.
The actor was also amazed by the audience. “The maximum number of people you would find among the audience generally during a play is probably up to 200. But here, there was at least 15,000 people among the audience and that was testimony to how this tale continues to have a strong place in the hearts of our audience.”