Ashutosh Rana's desired role breathes life into Ramayana in Humare Ram
In the heart of Dubai, the Dubai Opera is set to host the international debut of the theatrical epic Humare Ram, a production that has captivated audiences across India with its immersive retelling of the Indian epic Ramayana. The show, which runs from Thursday to Sunday, features the acclaimed Indian actor Ashutosh Rana in the complex and introspective role of Ravan.
Ashutosh Rana, 57, has long been fascinated with the Ramayana, having honed his craft as a theatre actor in Ram Leela performances during the autumn festival of Navratri early in his career. His lifelong dream of portraying Ravan, a character with many shades and depths, has finally come true in Humare Ram.
Rana describes playing Ravan not as a villain but as embodying ego, intellect, and the complex nature of dharma, requiring deep reflection and honesty. The production, which has been performed over 270 times across India, is making its international debut with a four-day run at the Dubai Opera.
Humare Ram offers a fresh perspective on the Ramayana with cinematic grandeur and spiritual depth. The show features high-tech visuals, original music by legends like Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan, and Kailash Kher, and a large cast and crew.
The play focuses on lesser-known episodes from the Ramayana and emphasizes the storylines of Luv and Kush alongside the classic tale of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Ravan. It has drawn praise from prominent figures in Indian culture and cinema and is significant as an immersive cultural and spiritual experience aimed at reconnecting modern audiences with this ancient narrative.
The international debut at Dubai Opera marks a milestone, highlighting the show's global appeal and artistic ambition. According to Ashutosh Rana, the success of Humare Ram has demonstrated the potential for theatre to be a profitable industry. Following the success of Humare Ram, several big production houses are investing in theatre.
Ashutosh Rana finds the interaction with audience members after a theatre performance to be satisfying and unique. He emphasizes the importance of content that touches the soul and heart in the success of a production. Ashutosh Rana is not planning to slow down his performances of Humare Ram anytime soon.
Humare Ram is performed in Hindi, and ticket prices start at Dh180. The show follows prince Ram, a major Hindu deity, through his 14-year exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. Ravan, played by Ashutosh Rana, is the demon king who abducts Sita in Humare Ram.
Ashutosh Rana hopes that Humare Ram will inspire more artists to perform internationally. The biggest difference between film and stage performances, according to Rana, is the communication and connection that comes from performing live.
[1] The Hindu [2] India Today [3] The Times of India
- In the world of news and entertainment, the upcoming international debut of the theatrical epic Humare Ram at Dubai Opera is creating a buzz, with major Indian newspapers such as The Hindu, India Today, and The Times of India highlighting its significance as a cultural and spiritual experience.
- The Dubai Opera's stage will also become an educative platform, as Humare Ram, a Hindi play focusing on the epic Ramayana, discusses lesser-known episodes and emphasizes the storylines of Luv and Kush, encouraging modern audiences to reconnect with the ancient narrative.
- Besides the high-tech visuals, original music, and star-studded cast, the features that make Humare Ram stand out in the world of movies and TV include its connection with the audience during live performances and the opportunity it provides for Indian theatre to expand globally, as envisioned by the play's lead actor, Ashutosh Rana.
