Renowned Bollywood actor Ashutosh Rana, formerly known as Ramnarayan Neekhara, engaged in an exclusive interview with India News, shedding light on his portrayal of Ravana in an upcoming play in Delhi. Rana, who has been actively involved in acting, drama, and theater since childhood, delved into his perspective on the character of Ravana and the significance of Lord Ram.
During the interview with senior journalist Rana Yashwant, Ashutosh Rana expressed his views on Ravana’s character, emphasizing that anyone connected with Lord Ram becomes great in their own right. He highlighted Ravana’s quest for salvation, seeking immortality through prayers to Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. Despite being labeled an antagonist, Rana portrayed Ravana’s connection with Lord Ram, leading to his immortalization.
Discussing the upcoming Ramlila event in Delhi, where Ashutosh Rana will be portraying Ravana, he invited art enthusiasts to witness the play at Kamani Auditorium, marking a significant return to the theater. Rana shared the excitement of returning to the same venue where he performed his last play during his National School of Drama years in 1994.
Addressing the distinction between theater and cinema, Ashutosh Rana likened theater to training, where artists are prepared, and cinema to a stage for performance. He emphasized the importance of training, expressing his belief in learning before performing, in contrast to those who enter cinema without formal training.
When questioned about the essence of Lord Ram, Ashutosh Rana drew a parallel between Ravana and Lord Ram, both being devotees of Shiva. He highlighted the difference in their desires, with Ravana driven by worldly aspirations and Lord Ram embodying profound emotions. Rana underscored the importance of belief in both Lord Ram and in oneself, suggesting that aligning one’s life with these principles would lead to spiritual growth akin to Shiva’s grace.