Transcending religious divide

CHANDIGARH:During one of the Ramlilas in Uttar Pradesh, Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui had to renounce his idea of playing a character after the Shiv Sena objected to it but in Chandigarh, there are many Nawazuddins who are playing different roles in Ramlilas, spreading the message of communal harmony.

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 23

During one of the Ramlilas in Uttar Pradesh, Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui had to renounce his idea of playing a character after the Shiv Sena objected to it but in Chandigarh, there are many Nawazuddins who are playing different roles in Ramlilas, spreading the message of communal harmony.

The Ramlila committees too have welcomed people from all faiths. At the Azad Dramatic Ramlila in Mani Majra, three key roles are played by Muslims. There are Hindu and Sikh artistes too.

“People from all religions watch and act in Ramlila here. We do not differentiate between caste, colour or creed. Other than Hindus, we have three Muslim actors while a Sikh man, Gurmeet, works backstage, helping artistes,” says Chitranjan Chanchal, member of the Ramlila group. He earlier worked as the director for many years and played the character of Lakshmana as well.

Interestingly, Taj Ali and Idam Khan, both real brothers, play the role of Shringi Rishi and Dasharatha, respectively.

“Since childhood, I have been attracted towards this stage. In the past 24 years, I have played various characters. Now, my son has also started taking part in it. Mani Majra has a feeling of brotherhood. Even during the Partition, there was no communal clash. My family and peers support me,” shares Ali, who works in the PGI.

BTech student Miraj Malik, who has been essaying the role of Sita for the past five years, says, “It has been a great experience. The rehearsals start two months before Navratras and it is electrifying. Even Ramlila gives the message of brotherhood.”

Mukesh Sharma, director of the Garhwal Ramlila Mandal, Bijli Board, Sector 28, adds, “We have several Muslims working with us. Even raagis from gurdwara have been our musicians. At present, Gurpreet, who is Sikh, essays the role of Vishvamitra. But, we should not link Ramlila with religion or caste because Rama himself stood against the caste ssytem. During exile, he savoured left over plums offered by Shabri, who was from a low caste.”