A Delhi - based theatre group is all set to depict Ramayana as a human drama instead of an epic. Ganita reports
We know Ravana as an antagonist in Ramayana and the person behind all evils including the abduction of Sita. But considering many other versions of the epic, he is a grey character who despite of his knowledge and wisdom was controlled by ego and false pride. Ravana as a character will get a new meaning in the play called Raavan ki Ramayan going to be presented by The Film and Theatre Society. Ravana, therefore, is a complex character that has a contemporary relevance.
“We have been reading, watching and listening the stories of Ravana and Rama since childhood. In all the stories, he has been shown as the villain. literature and stage performances have not noticiably tried showing the other side or a different view of the story. I have tried to show Ramayana Ramayana as a human drama instead of an epic. We want to show you that instead of being a great scholar Ravana was demised due to his ego. The theatrical work will be presented to the audience on 6th August in Kamani Auditorium, Delhi. We hope to tour across India with the stage performance,” said Atul Satya Kaushik, the director of the play. He continued, “We are not showing the incidents written in the Ramayana again. Nobody wants to see what they already know.” The crew has been rehersing since January for the two hour performance. Raavan is not shown as a villian, but as a hero of a classical tragedy.
Rahul Buchar is the executive director of The Films and Theatre Society. He is the force behind all the plays of the theatre group along with Atul. “When Atul and Rahul came to Mumbai and told me about the script of the play, I instantly said yes. I played Duryodhan 25 year ago and I feel that this is my age to play a character like Ravana. Duryodhan was an infantile character which was easy to perform. But Ravana is a very complex character, very intelligent. The prepossessing script inspired me to do the play. It is said that history is always written by victors. But the perspective of the one who loses should also be described in the literature. I am an artist and doing theatre is the biggest challenege for me. The performer has to connect to the audience in stage performances. There is no retake in theatres. I am very excited for the show,” said Puneet Issar, who is playing the role of Ravana in the theatrical drama.
Raza Murad has lent his voice for the play. “Atul and Rahul are two inspiring souls. They inspire the artists to give their best. I had to record a commentary for them which is written in a very purist Hindi. I was so afraid of it that I couldn’t sleep the whole night. But then I overreached my limits,” shared Raza. Praising Atul and Rahul he recited, “Main akela hi chala tha janibe manjil magar, log milte gaye aur kaarvan banta gaya suits them as they have taken the responsibility of taking hindi theatre to new heights.” He continued, “They perform in every part of the country. Commercially its not viable. They are spending money from their own pockets. They are very dedicated and quality conscious. I am so impressed with them that I watch every play of the theatre group and keep waiting for their next stage show.”
He said that Puneet Issar is best suited for the role of Ravana. "He is a great man, a collegue, a very hard working, dedicated and sincere man. His new film starring Salman Khan is going to be in theatres soon. No one can match his energy level,” shared Murad about Issar. He is not only hopeful but sure that Puneet will emerge as a great hero in flying colours. “Hath kangan ko aarsi kya aur padhe likhe ko faarsi kya,” he recited saying that the play will prove all that he has said.
Rahul Buchar called Atul the captain of the Ship. Said he, “Atul writes the best script and best poetry. Our idea is basically to do theatre, as much as we can and we really work without sweat with a dream of doing more than 100 shows a year in India and across the borders. We not only want quantity but quality too, which is most important.” Talking about the logistics he said, “Raavan was a huge challenge. We faced a lot of production difficulties like costumes and people. We have picked up contumes and people from the serial Mahabharta.