New Delhi: A political and cultural storm is brewing ahead of the upcoming Ramlila season, as the globally renowned Lav Kush Ramlila Committee, during a press conference at Constitution Club, strongly reacted to recent statements by actress Swara Bhaskar and reiterated its opposition to the upcoming film Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor.
Addressing the media, Committee President Arjun Kumar advised Swara Bhaskar to first understand Sanatan Dharma through Ramayana and Ramlila before making public statements. He emphasized that Indian values are deeply rooted in the stories of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, and urged responsible commentary on cultural matters.
Responding to media queries, Kumar firmly stated that the Ramlila Mahasangh stands by its decision to oppose the film Ramayana unless a special screening is arranged for Ramlila organizers prior to its release. He warned that any distortion of the Ramayana would face strong protest.
During the interaction, key artists of this year’s Ramlila were introduced:
Renowned actor Raj Premi will portray Ravan, bringing his extensive experience from mythological serials, including Sanjay Khan’s Hanuman.
Veteran actor Paintal (Kanwarjit Singh) will play Narad Muni, marking his first-ever live Ramlila performance in this role.
Popular actor-singer Shankar Sahni will appear as Kevat.
Arjun Kumar also unveiled details of the grand stage setup, inspired by the world-famous Meenakshi Temple of Madurai. The four-storey structure will span 140 feet in length, 60 feet in width, and 45 feet in height. Artisans from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Mathura, and Vrindavan have collaborated for months to recreate the temple’s intricate carvings, domes, and pillars.
The production promises a visually spectacular experience with multi-colored LED lighting, 3D mapping, and Dolby digital sound. A 31-foot Kailash Parvat and dense forest sets will enhance realism, while advanced visual effects will recreate river scenes with moving boats. Audiences will witness immersive jungle environments with sounds of birds and animals, along with aerial sequences featuring deities showering flowers.
Adding to the spectacle, dramatic battle scenes will include supernatural elements appearing mid-air at heights of up to 70 feet, supported by stereophonic 8-track sound design.
Committee General Secretary Subhash Goyal announced that the Ramlila will be staged from October 11 to October 21, 2026, with Dussehra celebrations (Ravan Dahan) on October 20 across Delhi and the country.
On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on September 17, 2026, a Mega Health Camp will be organized at Red Fort Ground in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Narayan Seva Sansthan, Tara Netralaya, and ALPS. The camp will offer free assistive devices, including artificial limbs, tricycles, hearing aids, eye check-ups, surgeries, and spectacles.
Actor Raj Premi expressed pride in playing Ravan at the historic Red Fort ground, while Paintal shared his excitement about performing Narad Muni live in Delhi. Shankar Sahni highlighted his long association with Ramlila and his role as Kevat this year.
Committee Chairman Pawan Gupta announced that a Bhoomi Pujan ceremony will take place on September 20, attended by Union Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and other dignitaries, followed by a grand cultural program. Media representatives have been cordially invited.
The Ramlila will also feature participation from political leaders, stage artists, and prominent personalities from the sports world in various roles.
