'Can't afford to go wrong': Ravi Kishan on playing Lord Ram in Ayodhya Ki Ramleela

Ravi Kishan pic via Instagram

Actor and politician Ravi Kishan says he is "scared" to essay Lord Ram on stage at Ayodhya Ki Ramleela on October 19 and 20 in New Delhi, with the event being telecast worldwide. In a conversation with HT City, Ravi Kishan said, "Pehli baar Shri Ram ke roop dharan karne ka saubhagya mila 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."

Ravi Kishan on feeling nervous to play Lord Ram

Expressing that he is feeling more nervous than he does on screen, the actor said, "Andar se dara hua hoon! 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."

Citing differences between films and theatre, he said, "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."

Ravi Kishan on listening to tales of Lord Ram

Being a son of a priest, the actor has grown up listening to tales of Ramayana and Mahabharat. "It's not only about that act - chahrey pe soumyata, shaleenta, saiyam, ekagrita, because you portray the character of puroshon mein uttam Shri Ram. The entire world will watch and on live telecast over 50 crore people will watch it on Doordarshan, OTT and YouTube live streaming."

Ravi Kishan on his preparation

While talking about his prepartion, the actor said, "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 moustache and am keeping myself calm and composed so that I can portray the role perfectly."

On the professional front, Ravi Kishan recently starred in Mirzapur: The Movie.