Ravi Kishan opens up on the pressure of playing Lord Ram in Ayodhya Ki Ramleela on October 19 and 20 (Image Credits IMDb)

Actor and Parliamentarian Ravi Kishan is preparing to portray Lord Ram at Ayodhya Ki Ramleela in New Delhi on October 19 and 20. Despite his extensive acting experience and previous portrayals of mythological characters, Ravi has admitted that the responsibility of playing the revered deity has left him nervous. In a recent interview, he spoke about his fears, preparations and the discipline required for the role, explaining why he believes he cannot afford to make a mistake while portraying Shri Ram.

Ravi Kishan says he is scared to play Lord Ram in ‘Ayodhya Ki Ramleela’

Ravi Kishan described his first opportunity to portray Lord Ram on stage as a blessing, while acknowledging the responsibility that comes with playing one of Hindu mythology’s most revered figures.“Pehli baar Shri Ram ke roop dharan karne ka saubhagya mila (Got the good fortune of portraying Lord Shri Ram for the very first time) and I pray and wish that He enters my body and gives me the energy to perform with grace. I have earlier played Parashuram and Kevat, as a kid I have played Mata Sita as well, and in a TV serial I have essayed the role of Shri Krishna as well, but this is different. I always want to play Shri Ram,” he told HT City.The actor admitted that he was feeling more apprehensive about this performance than he usually does while working on screen. Explaining his state of mind, he said, “Andar se dara hua hoon! (I am terrified on the inside) I believe for an actor that fear and scare is very important when you go on the stage, and this is the role of Shri Ram, so all the more reason to get it right… In the subconscious mind it’s always there that any mistake does not happen.”

‘You can’t afford to go wrong or improvise’: Ravi Kishan on the responsibility of playing Shri Ram

Ravi also drew a distinction between performing on stage and acting for the screen. According to him, portraying Lord Ram requires strict adherence to the script and the character, leaving little room for improvisation.“You can’t afford to go wrong or improvise and have to stay within the bound script and character. I can have all the experience, but after all we are humans and anyone can commit mistakes! I try to give my 100% and that has resulted in the success of my roles in ‘Mirzapur The Movie’, ‘Maamla Legal Hai’ and ‘Laapatta Ladies’,” he said.The actor added that his upbringing has also shaped his connection with the role. As the son of a priest, he grew up listening to stories about Shri Ram and Mahadev, making the opportunity to portray the deity particularly meaningful to him.For Ravi, the performance involves more than learning dialogue and delivering scenes. He emphasised the importance of embodying the character’s composure, dignity, restraint and concentration, given the reverence associated with Lord Ram.He also noted that the performance is expected to reach a vast audience through a live telecast and online streaming. Speaking to the afore mentioned publication, he said that the event would be watched worldwide, including through Doordarshan, OTT platforms and YouTube livestreams.

Ravi Kishan reveals his preparation for ‘Ayodhya Ki Ramleela’

Ravi has been following a disciplined routine as he prepares to portray Lord Ram during Navratri. He said he is fasting and following a special diet to achieve the look required for the character.“The great thing is that we are in Navratri and I am fasting, so with a shudh body and pure soul I will essay the role. I am a vegetarian and have been on a special diet to look lean. Before the Ram Leela I will shave off my moustaches and am keeping myself calm and composed so that I can portray the role perfectly,” he said.His preparations extend beyond his physical appearance. The actor is also focusing on maintaining a calm and composed demeanour to reflect the qualities traditionally associated with Shri Ram. For Ravi, the combination of fasting, personal discipline and emotional preparation is part of his effort to approach the role with the respect he believes it deserves.

Ravi Kishan’s work slate

On the professional front, Ravi Kishan recently appeared in ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’. With respect to its box office performance, the film’s total domestic performance stands at Rs. 230.34 crore net and Rs. 274.08 crore gross. The worldwide gross earning stand at Rs. 339.58 crore.