Ramlila in Urdu: Panjab University carries forward 89-year legacy

Continuing the tradition that started in Lahore in 1935, members from families of Panjab University staff have been performing Ramlila on the campus every year.

Stated to be the oldest Ramlila being conducted in the city, over 500 people get together every day to witness the act, which is cherished for its dialogues written in Urdu.

The Ramlila has been an integral part of the institution since 1935 when Shri Arjuna Amateur Dramatic Club started it. Today, generations of the employees who earlier played the roles, have taken up the responsibility and dedicate 10 days every year to Ramlila.

Dr Rajan Sharma, who is also the director of the play, is the second-generation member of his family to play the role of Lord Rama. Sharma who retired from the PU’s administration department has been portraying the character for around 30 years. His father used play the role before him. Anoop Bhandari who is the makeup director is also second-generation member to be associated with the Ramlila as his father Vaikunt Bhandari used to play the role of Hanuman.

During the initial phase of Ramlila this year, Gagan Malhotra, a private employee, played the role of Lord Rama. Rajinder Pathania who retired from the university’s examination branch as a senior assistant plays the part of Hanuman; Sunil Sharma, a driver with the university, plays the role of Ravan and Vikas Sharma as Laxman. Working as a librarian in a college, Sahil Sharma plays the roles of Sugreev and Bharat, while Dr Sachin Sharma plays the character of Meghnath.

“We are honoured to be a part of this long-standing tradition. I have played different female characters in the play for 25 years. This year, I am president of the club and am not playing any role on the stage,” said Honey Thakur who is also president of Panjab University Non-Teaching Staff Association.

The staff members residing in the university campus and their families have been majorly funding the Ramlila, which is being organised by the Harnam Santkirtan Prachar Mandal since 1976.

Urdu dialogue

“Meri jumbish mein aa jayegi jumbeh kull zamane ko. Sambhalja! Main aata hu tera ball aazmaane ko. Zamane ko hilane ki taaqat hai iss kalayi mein, bashar tow kya cheez hai, tehalqa macha du main kull khudayi mein,” says Kumbhkaran, being enacted by 25-year-old Karan Sharma. (The entire world will tremble should I rise. Let’s test your mettle. Remember, my wrists can bend destiny, what is humankind when even the gods fear me.)