Ra.Won Season

One of Delhi’s oldest dance drama interpretations of the Ramayana,this Ramlila has been the city’s cultural staple every year

during festive months. We are told even Jawaharlal Nehru,Lal

Bahadur Shastri,and Dr Radhakrishnan,among a long list of Indian statesmen,have watched and loved it. Now,it is in its 54 th edition.

Even though it tells the same story of good vs evil,perhaps even in the same way as it used to decade

back,it is time to look at it with renewed curiosity.

Surrounded by numerous slick events in the city — bridal exhibitions,fashion weeks,fantastically choreographed musicals and technologically enhanced music performances,the Ramlila here is

refreshing because it is non-digital and non-designer. The saris of Sita and her companions are pure Benarasi weaves,a far cry from charmeuse lycra ensembles we see in new musicals. Ram’s overdone makeup may even look like that of a Geisha to those who breathe in the rarefied air of false eyelashes and bronzers in the fashion backstage. You might say Hanuman urgently needs a Google map to plot his way to Lanka. But it is precisely the absence of slick technology and contemporary makeup and styling that makes Ramlila a treat to watch

especially in these weeks when SRK’s Ra.One is creating publicity ripples about a costume worth a crore rupees and digital effects that would send us reeling.

Then,there is Mr Khichi. Though the entire play is seen in Indian classical dances,but interpreting one of mythology’s most nuanced characters — Ravana through Kathakali takes the production to another level. It brings mystique,leaving the audience charmed,not dulled by a villain’s horrendous ways. Like Gabbar Singh in Sholay,Khichi plays out the Ravana act in a non-lustful but power-obsessed manner. If Mehbooba Mehbooba sung by Gabbar Singh in Sholay was more about himself than about the sexy Mehbooba,a Gabbar intoxicated with his own power,then Khichi

reminds us of something similar. He isn’t a lustful kidnapper. He is too busy enacting a million little slivers of power play to even really notice Sita emotionally or physically. A modern director,concerned with new logic would have changed the course. Singh has refrained from falling into the trap of modernising Ramlila. That’s it why it worth watching her Ravana with his mood swings and moves.

Its Ra.Won season,don’t miss it before you swoon for Ra.One.

Ramlila is being held at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra till Oct 24. Time: 6.30 pm