Wave Estate's Ramleela: Where professionals unite to reignite a cultural legacy: A Ramleela with a difference

PTC Web Desk: The Ramleela and Dussehra Committee of Wave Estate, Sector 85 and 99, led by president Varun Vasudev, once again brings the rich tradition of Ramleela to life, offering a refreshing twist on this age-old story. This year, the Ramleela is special because it is not performed by seasoned actors, but by dedicated professionals from various fields, including doctors, retired government officials, and business leaders.

Despite their busy schedules, these community members have poured their passion and commitment into rehearsals, resulting in a truly memorable Ramleela performance. Committee chairman Gajender Vashisht has done an admirable job of transforming these professionals into characters from the Ramayana. Sponsors—Wave Estate, Sivanta Group, CM Associates, Five Star Estate and Financial Consultants, and Perfect 32 Dental Clinic — also came forward to support the noble cause of the Ramleela event.
 

Director  Gajender Vashisht and committee president  Varun Vasudev

What makes this Ramleela stand out is the participation of persons who are not professional actors, but professionals from diverse backgrounds. The roles are played with enthusiasm and devotion by people who have found time amidst their demanding jobs. From doctors and government officials to successful businesspeople, each cast member has invested their time and energy to ensure this event’s success.

For instance, Surinder Kakkar, who plays the roles of Guru Eknath, Guru Shirangi, and Guru Vishwamitra, is a retired AGM. He has taken on multiple roles, bringing his life experiences and wisdom to each character. His portrayal of these pivotal figures has captivated the audience, adding depth and gravitas to the performance.

Dr Prashant Bansal, a renowned urologist, brings a divine touch to his portrayal of Lord Shiva, Sadhuvesh Ravan, and Pawanputra Hanuman. His performances are a highlight of the Ramleela, as he effortlessly transitions between these diverse roles, each requiring a unique presence and demeanor. Audiences are left in awe as he transforms from the wise and serene Lord Shiva to the powerful and dynamic Hanuman.

Umesh Nagpal, who plays the character of Ravan, is a former senior official from a central government department. His commanding presence on stage as Ravan brings the iconic villain to life with a mix of intensity and charisma. Nagpal’s portrayal reminds the audience of the many layers of Ravan's character, from his unparalleled intellect to his tragic flaws.

Among the cast is Kunal Kapoor, a successful businessman who takes on the role of Lakshman, Ram’s loyal brother. His portrayal captures Lakshman’s unwavering devotion and fierce spirit, making his performance a standout. Kunal's dedication to his role shines through, as he balances his business responsibilities with the intense rehearsal schedule required for Ramleela.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this Ramleela is the participation of a real-life couple as Ram and Sita. Vinay Sachdeva, a chartered accountant, plays the roles of Lord Vishnu and Shri Ram. His wife, Richa Arora, an IT professional, steps into the roles of Lakshmi Mata and Sita Mata. Their chemistry and natural bond bring a unique authenticity to their performances, making their scenes particularly moving. The audience is able to see a real-life love story playing out on stage, as the couple portrays the divine connection between Ram and Sita.

A notable aspect of this Ramleela is the involvement of children from the community. It is a delight to see young participants embracing the tradition with enthusiasm. These children, playing various supporting roles, bring a sense of energy and innocence to the event, making it a complete family affair. Their involvement ensures that the tradition of Ramleela, which was fading in some areas, is being revived and passed on to the next generation.

While the Wave Estate Ramleela does not boast elaborate sets or professional-level production, it offers something far more meaningful—a heartfelt portrayal of the Ramayana that resonates deeply with the audience. The focus of this Ramleela is on the essence of the story, with scenes that convey the core values and teachings of the Ramayana. Each performance, whether it is a battle scene or a moment of introspection, serves as a reminder of the timeless moral lessons from the epic.