Shobha Deepak Singh’s Sita represents the modern woman. She tells Divya Kaushik how her Ramlila remains relevant to changing times
A slew of youngsters, with women dressed like they would for any other weekend evening outing, Pradas in place and clinking heels, and men in tees and denims, lined up to don the traditional tilak at the entrance of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra lawns. Families with children in tow walked past the colourful gallery designed like an exhibit area with glass paintings depicting scenes from Ramayana. The design as conceptualised by Anuradha Gupta gave an introduction to various parts of the epic, creating an experience for the audience. Shobha Deepak Singh is a maverick who is always open to new ideas and this one we are sure would be soon picked up as trend by others.
It is perhaps these new ideas and concepts that draw the young audience to her Ramlila. Theatre director confirms that every year the young crowd keen to see her Ramlila and put questions post the show, has been increasing. She smiles when asked the reason. “It is understanding of the need of the hour,” she says. Adding, “Every year we keep making modifications to the act and performances. Changes don’t happen in the script, we have our own script which we have been following since last many years. The act and the way of presentation changes keeping in mind the present scenario and modern times. For example, while rehearsing I told my Sita that she is not the one who will walking only behind Rama. She will be portrayed as an independent entity having her won voice, truly like any other woman today. Also I explained her that while Ravana is kidnapping you, she doesn’t have to portray herself like she is helpless and she gave up to the situation. I gave her the example of Nirbhaya and told the actress that though both the cases are different but both present the abduction of women by man for his ulterior motive. So in our show you will find Sita screaming and shouting when Ravana kidnaps her. Our Ramlila is no more about Ram, it is as much about Sita,” explains Shobha.
She says that Ramayana has remained and will remain relevant to all times, despite the social economic changes. There are various episodes that continue to depict our society. “like Sita’s Agni Pariksha. In Indian society no matter how much we become modern, a woman is still expected to make sacrifices for her family,” she says. She gives another example. “Every one in Panchvati was so content and as soon as they see the golden deer, everyone starts chasing it. The lyrics of our show says, ‘hiran sunehra lalach gehra.’ Greed makes inroads when there is an opportunity and wealth infront of you, this is human nature,” she explains.
The Padmashree recipient has been staging Ramlila since 1957. In its 57th edition, Shobha says she has made relevant technological changes. “In today’s age keeping people interested in live drama is a challenge. We have Powerpoint presentations with subtexts. The script is such that everyone can understand it. Earlier the script was in Awadhi which was translated to Hindi and English. Some text was so poignant that I could not ignore it. like when Supankha comes to her brother Ravan crying, he shouts at her. ‘Baar baar Dassheesh vichara rakshasa gan ko kisne maara, maar sake kewal bhagwanta, harne ko dharti ka bhaar yadi bhagwan liye avatar to mai jaa kar bair badhau maare Rama moksha mai paau’,” she elaborates.
She ends, “We have just returned from a three-week visit to Indonesia and Bangkok where we took part in a nine nation International Ramlila Festival. Soon we will be carrying the production to Washington, Houston and other venues in USA.” Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s Ramlila will continue till October 14.