Till October 19, political parties will get blurred as politicians are getting together to perform at festive event
Karl Marx saw religion as the opium of the people but at Lal Qila Maidan, it is an adhesive these days, bringing political rivals on the same stage, literally. Leaders including cabinet ministers from various parties are sharing green room and enacting mythical characters from Ramayana, in a stark departure from criticising each other for the next nine days.
All this is happening at the Ramleela being organised by the Luv Kush Ram Lila Committee which holds one of the biggest shows in Delhi. In a star studded cast, it has politicians from Bharatiya Janata Party, Aam Aadmi Party, among others slipping into characters from the Hindu epic. For the next nine days till Dusshera on October 19, the audience will see party lines getting blurred as cabinet ministers like Dr Harshvardhan, AAP's Alka Lamba and Bihar lawmaker Sanjay Yadav will don paint to entertain in an amusing show of solidarity. Leader of Opposition, Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta, union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Vijay Sampla are also among those who will be acting in this year's Ramleela at Red Fort Ground.
Dr Harshvardhan is playing Sita'a father, Raja Janak while Gupta essays the role of Maharish Atri- one of the seven great Vedic sages (Saptarishi). Lamba, meanwhile, Bitten by the acting bug? When asked, Gupta fresh out of the performance, denies so, emphasising more on the desire to do "something different". "I was approached by the Ram Lila Committee and I agreed as it gave me a chance to break my political image. People appreciated by new avatar. It was a moment of pride to be part of Lord Ram's life story," he says.
Sampla who's having a second stint with Ramleela this year as King Himavat, father of goddess Parvati, sees this as an occasion to spread message of kartavya. "Ramayana gives us valuable lessons in political life. All the parties speak of bringing Ram Rajya when they come to power. The ancient epic brings that to life for masses to see and imbibe," he said.
Star Power
- Dr Harshvardhan: Raja Janak
- Vijender Gupta: Maharishi Atri
- Vijay Sampla: King Himavat
- Alka Lamba: Ahilya Bai
- TV actor Vindoo Dara Singh: Hanuman
Places Where RamLeela Is Organised
- Ramlila Maidan: Subhash Maidan (Parade Ground) -Held by Shri Dharmik Lila Committee, which is amongst the oldest associations of Delhi.
- Lal Qila Maidan (Red Fort Ground): Most popular Ram Lila, organized by LuV Kush ramlila committee. From politicians to bollywood celebrities, participate in the show.
- Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra theatre lawns: Another big player, includes lights and music.
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