Star-studded Ramlila at Red Fort ground from Sept 22

The Lav Kush Ramlila Committee announced that this year’s grand Ramlila will be staged at the historic Red Fort ground from September 22 to October 3, with Dasehra celebrations on October 2.

Addressing a press conference at the Constitution Club, committee president Arjun Kumar said this year’s Ramlila would be “historic, magnificent and unique,” bringing alive India’s cultural and spiritual heritage with a confluence of tradition and modern technology. Over 15 Bollywood stars and nearly 140 television and theatre artists will perform in various roles.

Kinshuk Vaidya will enact the role of Lord Rama, Riney Arya will essay the role of Sita and Malhar Pandya will portray the role of Lord Hanuman.

Speaking about the production, Subhash Goyal, general secretary of the committee, said for the first time, Ramlila will feature cutting-edge techniques, including AI, digital innovation, hi-tech 3D mapping, visual effects and an eight-track sound system. The show will be broadcast live across more than 150 TV and YouTube channels, reaching over 25 crore viewers worldwide.

The Red Fort grounds are being transformed with elaborate pandals built by artisans from Kolkata, Mathura, Vrindavan and Ujjain. Alongside the performances, visitors will enjoy a cultural fair featuring regional cuisines from Delhi, Mathura, Agra, Banaras, Indore, Jaipur, Chennai and Gujarat, as well as traditional swings and a food court.

Actors expressed their excitement at portraying these iconic roles. Kinshuk Vaidya called it “a privilege to play Lord Rama at the world famous Lav Kush Ramlila at the Red Fort,” while Riney Arya said playing Sita was “a challenging but deeply fulfilling role.” Malhar Pandya, cast as Hanuman, described himself as a devotee of the deity and said it was an honour to bring the powerful character alive before lakhs of spectators.

Committee leaders Pawan Gupt (chairman) and Satya Bhushan Jai (senior vice-president) also announced social initiatives alongside the festivities, including a mega health camp on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, distribution of essential items among the differently abled, sarees for women and school supplies for children. The Ramlila will also feature devotional performances by renowned bhajan singer Kanhaiya Mittal, who will present Khatu Shyam bhajans before the enactments.