Ramlila 2024 in Old Delhi: Film and TV actors bring star power to the stage

Lights, action, Ramlila! As ramlilas return to the stage in Delhi, let’s take a look at how the popular Lav Kush Ramlila actors take to the stage. Known for their diverse roles in film and television, these artists delight in bringing mythical characters to life. Read what HT City says about Delhi’s food, people and the charm of live performances on stage.

Backstage, actors laugh as they relax during dress rehearsals at Lav Kush Ramlila in Old Delhi. (Photo: Raajessh Kashyap/HT)

The modern-day Ram Sita couldn’t stop himself from clicking a few selfies as they dressed up to get into character. (Photo: Raajessh Kashyap/HT)

Small screen Ram, Himanshu Soni’s dream becomes a reality

Himanshu Soni played the role of Ram on the small screen in Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush. However, the embodiment of this character on stage brings back nostalgia for childhood memories of celebrating the festival. The actor recalls, “Dussehra ka mela India mein har jagah lagta hai; kahin 40-foot ka, toh kahin 60-foot ka Ravana… When I was young, I used to go with my father and make him buy me teer-kamaan every year. And now seeing these visuals live in front of me embodying the character of Ram is the greatest honor for me… Yahan (stage par) humein apna 100 nahin, apna 1000% dena hoga.”

Samikssha Batnagar, who plays the character of Sita, reveals that she is an ardent foodie and was keen to enjoy purani dilli ki chaat. (Photo: Raajessh Kashyap/HT )

Samikssha Batnagar’s return to the stage as Maa Sita

Samikssha Batnagar, known for Poster Boys (2017) and the web show Dharavi Bank, has an unmatched love for theater and live performances, where she first played the role. “I feel like pichhle janmon ke achhe karam hain as I keep playing Sita,” says the actor, adding, “When I was dressing up in full costume, many people came up to me and called me Maa Sita herself. The Indian audience is so innocent and yet they are such insightful judges of characters. So ab yeh meri zimmedaari lagti hai to do justice to these roles.

We wonder what Nimai Bali aka Ravana and Himanshu Soni aka Ram are talking about? (Photo: Raajessh Kashyap/HT)

Nimai Bali, or Ravana, is all set for the flavors of Chandni Chowk

With her loud voice and commanding presence, Nimai Bali creates the intimidating figure of Ravana. Known for his roles in TV shows like CID: Special Bureau and Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal, the actor is an excited debutant. “This is my first time playing Ravana in a live performance. Iss baar kyunki hum Chandni Chowk ke itna paas hain, toh maine soch rakha hai ek din toh main wahin jaake khaana khaunga, nayi nayi cheezein try karunga,” he shares, adding, “I have visited Delhi many times to take photos of auras and mujhe Dilliwallon se bahot sneh mila hai.”

Lovekesh Dhaliwal, who plays the role of Lakshman, flexes to practice his archery skills.(Photo: Raajessh Kashyap/HT)

Long-time Lakshman Lovekesh Dhaliwal in Dilli ka khana

Delhi boy Lovekesh Dhaliwal is no stranger to Ramlila as he has been performing on various stages in Delhi for the last 15 years. “Dilli mein alag hi environment bann jaata hai, kuch alag hi reception milta hai Dilli mein Ramlila ko. It feels like home and the food is simply divine,” enthuses the actor and choreographer, adding: “I have already ordered golgappe and plan to eat it with my castmates whenever the opportunity arises. I also planned to show them around my city, once we got rid of the costumes, of course.

Ketan Karande is filled with pride to play the role of Hanuman! (Photo: Raajessh Kashyap/HT)

Ketan Karande as Hanuman is full of emotions

Ketan Karande has appeared in films such as Action Jackson (2014) and Thugs of Hindostan (2018) and has also portrayed mythological characters on television in Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyaag Tandav and Suryaputra Karn. However, playing the role of Hanuman in his first appearance on stage in Ramlila makes the actor full of excitement and enjoys every opportunity. “Earlier, whenever I came to know that someone had been cast in this role, I would wonder: ki mujhe yeh mauka kab milega? Today everyone calls me Hanuman Ji and it seems surreal… I’m really excited about October 8 when I enter Ramlila and Dilliwalle iss Hanuman se milenge!” – he shouts.

Catch it live

What: Lav Kush Ramlila

Where: August 15 Park, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk

When: October 3 to 13

Timing: 18:00

Entry: Free

Nearest metro station: Lal Quila (Purple Line)