Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra raises the curtain on Ramlila’s 57th edition

Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra raises the curtain on Ramlila’s 57th edition

(October 5th and from October 15th to November 1st, 2013)

“You cannot count on the physical proximity of someone you love, all the time. A seed that sprouts at the foot of its parent tree remains stunted until it is transplanted. Rama will be in my care, and he will be quite well. But ultimately, he will leave me too. Every human being, when the time comes, has to depart to seek his fulfillment in his own way.”
-       Vālmīki, Ramayana

From this seed of intrinsic truth enunciated by Valmiki in the metaphoric and literal sense, the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra presents its fifty-seventh edition of Ramlila demonstrating a perfect synergy of reality end idealism on an enthralling tapestry, where emotion and destiny intertwine, where situations, that unfold may have been different but the external, superficial trappings, sentiments and intricacies of human dilemmas, reflections and responses are perpetual and eternal, as they reflect modern day, tribulations and conflicts of mind and heart. The great drama unfolds on a stage resplendent with magnificent costumes, lighting, choreography and music by the maestro and custodian of Indian cultural heritage, Padamshri Mrs. Shobha Deepak Singh.

The gamut of emotions, that pan across the stage and ripple through the mesmerised audience across devotion, loyalty, endearing family relationships, respect and honor to an elder. The Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s ‘Ramlila imbibes the ideals that offer an opportunity for a wholesome evolution, portraying values in an avtar that endears. The ‘Ramlila’ portrays eminent incidents from the epic Ramayana, which perpetually enthrall. The portrayal of the revered ‘Ram’, his predilection in banishment, Sita’s unfailing faith and love despite personal tribulations, the crafty antics of Ravana and several other incidents remain to endear and resonate, long after the curtain falls.

Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s endeavour to communicate the enchantment of a world that is so far, yet so close to the life of Ram in a medley of allegories provides the foundation of the truths of life. Ram’s unquestioning obedience and honoring his father’s word, his graceful acceptance and tackling the adversities of daily existence, his ability to transcend barriers of caste and creed through acceptance of Shabri’s fruits, Hanuman’s mobilising his army and getting the Sanjivani booti, the scheming trickery of the golden deer, all are reflective of a way of life, that forms a part of the modern day viewer’s convoluted subconscious.

Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s was the first to present an aesthetically refined ‘Sampurna Ramayan’, without diluting the spirit of the epic. Indeed Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s ‘Ramlila’ is a legacy in itself and a significant segment of the Kendra’s endeavour to nurture the country’s cultural heritage.

Says the Director Padamshri Shobha Deepak Singh, “The Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra's 'Ramlila' has provided the latest of education in culture for over three and a half decades to the people of Delhi, with respect to every aspect of a quality production be it the costumes, ornaments, dance, sets and other aspects. We have just returned from a three week's visit to Indonesia and Bangkok where we took part in a nine nation International Ramlila Festival. Soon after the one in Delhi, we will be carrying the production to Washington, Houston and other venues in USA.”

The nation’s eminent including the likes of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Shri Zail Singh, Smt. Indira Gandhi, Dr. Radhakrishnan, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, Shri Atal Behari Bajpayee, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Shri Fakruddin Ali Ahmed, Dr. Zakir Hussain, Shri Sanjiva Reddy and several others have been eminent members of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s “Ramlila” audiences.

Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s 57th edition of “Ramlila” creates a mirror of sorts, urging self reflection and guiding aspirations, to embrace and integrate the order of existence with a relevant, modern perspective – one that stays with the audience until long after.