From Yudhishthira to Shiva: Gajendra Chauhan roped in to be part of Ram Lila celebrations in Delhi

This festive season, it looks like we the Ram Lila celebrations at New Delhi’s Red Fort might just top the legendary re-enactment of Mahabharat in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron . The Lav Kush Committee, organisers of the prestigious Ram Lila celebrations in Red Fort, has announced a celebrity-studded cast for their theatrical version of Ramayana. And one of their headliners is Gajendra Chauhan, the man whose appointment as the chairperson of FTII has led to an epic (and ongoing) confrontation between the government and the students of FTII.

“We are in talks with many celebs from Bollywood and film industry. We have roped in Gajendra Chauhan to play Shiva,” a spokesperson from the committee told Bombay Times . The Ram Lila event might just feel like something of a reunion for Chauhan since Puneet Issar and Surendra Pal will also be acting in this mythological extravaganza. Issar played Duryodhan and Pal was Drona in the television series Mahabharata in which Chauhan played Yudhishthira. Yudhishthira remains Chauhan’s best-known acting credit till date, though this live event may just trump the television series.

According to Bombay Times, vintage Bollywood baddies Shakti Kapoor and Ranjeet will also be in the show along with Raza Murad and Asrani. Asrani will be playing Narad, which in itself is an idea that should fill even the most depressed with mirth. Issar will be playing Parashuram and Ravana’s part will be played by Pal.

Manoj Tiwari, actor and BJP MP, believes this star cast will make the story of Ram, which is traditionally performed in North India during the run-up to Dussehra, all the more engaging. “The idea is to rekindle young generation’s interest in our sacred texts by improving the quality of the performance,” Tiwari told The Hindu.

While the calibre of the acting that will be on display may be debatable, there is absolutely no doubt that this starry Ram Leela promises to be immensely entertaining.

The committee has also said that Amita Nangia will play the role of Kaushalya, Deepshikha will be seen as Mandodari and Zarina Wahab will be Shabri. Rupa Datta, best known for her turn as Maa Vaishno Devi on television, will play Sita. The names of the actor who will be playing Ram hasn’t yet been announced.

No stone is being left un-turned to make sure this year’s performance is top notch. Ashok Agarwal, chief organizer of the Ramlila, told The Times of India , “We want youngsters to come and watch Ramlila. This time, we will have stunt directors from Mumbai who will be planning the stunts and there will be flying raths and aerial fight scenes during Ramlila.”

And as if all this wasn’t enough, rumour has it Shahid Kapoor might make a special appearance.