This story is from November 28, 2019
Lavish sets and flamboyant costumes: Ramayan comes alive on stage in Jaipur
As part of the ongoing theatre festival Jairangam, a Broadway style play The Legend of Ram: Ek Shabd, Ek Baan, Ek Naari, directed by
Koushik, whose plays are known for their lavish sets and flamboyant costumes, recreated the life of Ram on stage, from his journey as a young prince to a benevolent king for whom duty to his throne and his commitment to his subjects came first. The teachings from Vishvamitra to the role of Taraka, Ahalya and Sita (played by TV actress Nivedita Bhattacharya) to Ravan abducting Sita, the play depicted all the high points of Ram’s life.
Interestingly, the play also shed light on the role of Kaikeyi and made people ponder over whether Kaikeyi really was the evil queen she was made out to be. The play also acknowledged the sacrifice of Urmila (Laxman’s wife) and how she silently suffered loneliness, receiving nothing in return. The play also spoke about widow remarriage.
With dance troupes, fight sequences and larger-thanlife sets, the presentation had the audience glued to their seats till the very end. Before the curtain went down, when the entire cast came on stage, the audience had the opportunity to interact with the actors. The first question was directed towards Govil. He was asked if playing Lord Ram for so many years had brought about any change in his personality? To which he replied, “Main shuru se hi jo aaj hoon, usse alag kabhi bhi nahi tha. Jab Ramayan kar raha tha, tabhi bhi aisa hi tha, aaj bhi aisa hi hoon.” His fans were seen queuing up for autographs and selfies.
Shweta Agarwal, a member of the audience said, “Every dialogue by Arun Govilji was a treat. The director did a great job.” Akshat Dwivedi, another audience member said, “The play was a visual delight as it had everything - from huge sets to music, dance and of course, some great performances.”
Atul Satya Koushik
was recently staged in Jaipur. Arun Govil, who is best remembered for his portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s TV show Ramayan, reprised his character after over three decades.Koushik, whose plays are known for their lavish sets and flamboyant costumes, recreated the life of Ram on stage, from his journey as a young prince to a benevolent king for whom duty to his throne and his commitment to his subjects came first. The teachings from Vishvamitra to the role of Taraka, Ahalya and Sita (played by TV actress Nivedita Bhattacharya) to Ravan abducting Sita, the play depicted all the high points of Ram’s life.
Interestingly, the play also shed light on the role of Kaikeyi and made people ponder over whether Kaikeyi really was the evil queen she was made out to be. The play also acknowledged the sacrifice of Urmila (Laxman’s wife) and how she silently suffered loneliness, receiving nothing in return. The play also spoke about widow remarriage.
With dance troupes, fight sequences and larger-thanlife sets, the presentation had the audience glued to their seats till the very end. Before the curtain went down, when the entire cast came on stage, the audience had the opportunity to interact with the actors. The first question was directed towards Govil. He was asked if playing Lord Ram for so many years had brought about any change in his personality? To which he replied, “Main shuru se hi jo aaj hoon, usse alag kabhi bhi nahi tha. Jab Ramayan kar raha tha, tabhi bhi aisa hi tha, aaj bhi aisa hi hoon.” His fans were seen queuing up for autographs and selfies.
Shweta Agarwal, a member of the audience said, “Every dialogue by Arun Govilji was a treat. The director did a great job.” Akshat Dwivedi, another audience member said, “The play was a visual delight as it had everything - from huge sets to music, dance and of course, some great performances.”
end of article
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