Broadway Ramlila: Majestic revival of the timeless epic

As the festival season arrives, Delhi’s cultural landscape is once again buzzing with the vibrant sounds and sights of Ramlila, a centuries-old theatrical tradition that dramatises the life and adventures of Lord Ram. Every year, the city transforms into a stage, with countless Ramlilas springing up in neighbourhoods, parks and major cultural venues.

Amidst the flurry of these performances, a new trend is redefining this experience with productions giving tradition a contemporary twist.

In recent years, some of Delhi’s Ramlilas have moved beyond the conventional format to embrace cutting-edge technology, dynamic storytelling and elaborate stagecraft, offering something new for both young audiences and those who cherish the old ways.

These modern productions aim to keep the ancient tale of ‘Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan’ alive and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

One of the most prominent pioneer in this path is the ‘Broadway Ramlila’ presented by the Aryan Heritage Foundation.

This version of Ramlila has made waves since its inception in 2015 for pushing the boundaries. Known for its larger-than-life approach, Broadway Ramlila has become a trendsetter by incorporating 3D stage design, cinematic special effects and high-quality musical performances, things that wouldn’t seem out of place in a major theatre production.

“In a time of moral challenges and shifting values, this production couldn’t be more relevant,” noted Rajender Mittal, the creator of Broadway Ramlila, emphasising the show’s unwavering fidelity to Lord Ram’s story.

The three-hour performance encapsulates Lord Ram’s extraordinary life — from his divine birth and heroic battles to the profound wisdom he imparted.

Showcasing the talent of over 100 skilled actors and dancers, this year’s production features cutting-edge 3D stage design and a musical score with 18 original tracks, performed by celebrated artists such as Udit Narayan, Kailash Kher, and Kumar Vishu. Besides, its captivating narrative is voiced by Mukesh Khanna.

However, even in the era of such grand productions, Delhi's grassroots Ramlilas have successfully maintained their traditional charm.

For instance, the neighbourhood productions in Paharganj and Karol Bagh may not have the glamor of Broadway, but their authenticity and community spirit resonate deeply with the audience. The Luv-Kush Ramlila at the Red Fort remains one of the oldest and most prestigious performances in the Capital.

From the back lanes of Old Delhi to the open grounds of North Delhi and the famous Ramlila Maidan, more than 100s of Ramlilas are staged across the city during Navratri and Dasehra.

These community-led productions, often put together by local committees with limited budgets, hold a different kind of magic. Their emphasis is on devotion and community participation, with entire neighbourhoods contributing to costumes, sets and even taking on acting roles, passing down the tradition to younger generations.

Many productions are sticking to traditional narratives, but have also started introducing elements like live streaming to attract younger viewers.