Buddies turn Ram, Ravan for epic act
Children shudder as the towering, wide-eyed Ravan roars from the stage at the Shahkot Ramlila, which has been regaling audiences for the past 59 years. The only one who can stand his ground in front of Ravan is his worthy opponent – Lord Ram.
Best friends Shanty Chawla (40) and Ranjit Singh (46) have been playing the roles of Ravan and Ram for the past 10 years in the heart of the pastoral town. The Hindu-Sikh, Ravan-Ram camaraderie is celebrated in this Sikh belt. Members of the Sikh community from neighbouring villages flock to this town in huge numbers to witness the high-decibel star cast of Ramlila, being organised by the Shri Ramlila Dramatic Club, Shahkot, since 1965.
Shanty is a property dealer and Ranjit runs a garment store. Shanty, who is also the president of the club, says, “There are no boundaries at this Ramlila. We have a 45-member cast, including Hindus, Sikhs and Dalits. Muslim men manage our stage and props. I play Ravan, Ranjit plays Ram and the men who play Sita and Kaikeyi are both Dalits. But we are all brothers first. Residents of Dhandowal, Bajwa Kalan and other villages specially cook food for the cast and call us to their homes for dinner. Sikhs turn up at the show in large numbers and cheer for the characters. Sikh NRIs from Shahkot are our key donors along with Hindu philanthropists.”
He adds, “Ranjit and I belonged to poor families. However, with Lord Ram’s blessings, we have our own businesses now. I’ve met celebrities and travelled abroad, thanks to Lord Ram. Not just us, the entire town believes that this Ramlila is blessed. Every year, kids aged below 10 are invited to recite Hanuman Chalisa, for which they are rewarded. A majority of the children who responded last year were Sikhs.”
Ranjit says, “I have been playing the part of Ram since I was 17. Shanty was earlier part of the sena (procession) and started playing the role of Ravan in 2014. We love what we do. I’m a Sikh, and a Ram bhakt too. Ram has given me everything. Words can’t explain the love we have received at this Ramlila.”
