Star-Studded Ram Lila Begins in Ayodhya with Miss India as Sita

Ayodhya | September 25, 2025 Star-Studded Ram Lila Begins in Ayodhya with Miss India as Sita The annual Ram Lila in Ayodhya opened on Monday evening at Ram Katha Park, blending traditional storytelling with large-scale stagecraft and a celebrity-studded cast. The production, mounted on a 120-foot platform, featured weeks of online and offline rehearsals to ensure a flawless performance. Key dignitaries, including BJP MPs, attended the opening, adding grandeur to the event. Celebrity Cast Brings Mythology to Life The opening night showcased prominent actors in pivotal roles. Vindu Dara Singh performed as Lord Shiva, while Ravi Kishan and Manoj Tiwari portrayed Kewat and Bali, respectively. Miss Universe India 2025, Manika Vishwakarma, assumed the role of Sita, and Rahul Bhuchar played Ram. Speaking about the experience, Vindu Dara Singh described performing before top dignitaries as “unlike anything else.” He said, “As per protocol, we stand still and do not speak when the President and Prime Minister come on stage. Goosebumps run through your body as they stand before you with folded hands to put tilak on your forehead.” Singh, who typically plays Hanuman in previous Ayodhya productions, emphasized the discipline required for portraying deities. “I changed my lifestyle during rehearsals. I abstained from liquor and non-vegetarian food, prayed to Hanuman, and meditated daily to prepare for the role,” he added. He recalled a special moment during a Red Fort performance last year when the Prime Minister approached and asked, “Hanuman ji, tilak kahan lagayen?” Such rituals add a sacred dimension to the performance, Singh said. Show Schedule and Audience Reach The Ayodhya Ram Lila will run nightly from 7 PM to 10 PM until October 2. Organiser Subhash Mallik noted that the event has expanded significantly since its modest beginnings during the 2020 pandemic. “Last year, our Ram Lila attracted around 45–47 crore viewers across platforms and Doordarshan. This year, we expect an even larger audience,” he stated. Dussehra Plans and Mega Effigies For Dussehra, organisers plan to burn a record-breaking 240-foot Ravana effigy, along with 190-foot effigies of Meghnadh and Kumbhkaran. Over 60 craftsmen from four states are reportedly working around the clock to construct the monumental figures. Coordinating celebrity participation posed challenges, as many actors could not relocate for a month-long rehearsal. To address this, organisers ran online practice sessions and maintained teams in Mumbai and other cities to ensure seamless preparation. Reviving Interest in the Epic The Ayodhya Ram Lila combines traditional narrative elements with large-scale stagecraft and celebrity appeal. Organisers aim not only to revive public interest in the Ramayana but also to set new benchmarks in viewership and scale. By integrating modern production techniques with cultural heritage, the event aspires to become a landmark spectacle in India’s theatrical and religious calendar. Star-Studded Ram Lila Kicks Off in Ayodhya The annual Ram Lila opened at Ram Katha Park, Ayodhya, featuring a celebrity-packed cast and large-scale stagecraft. Miss Universe India 2025, Manika Vishwakarma, played Sita, while Rahul Bhuchar portrayed Ram, and Vindu Dara Singh performed as Lord Shiva. The show runs nightly until October 2, blending traditional storytelling with modern production. Organisers plan to burn a 240-foot Ravana effigy for Dussehra, alongside massive effigies of Meghnadh and Kumbhkaran. Weeks of rehearsals and online coordination ensured smooth performances. The event aims to revive public interest in the Ramayana while drawing record audiences and creating a spectacular cultural experience.