If you watch Ramanand Sagar's mega-hit Ramayan once, you will never forget it.?The actors, the sets, the props, and how delicately the show showcases one of the most important epics in Hindu history is simply outstanding.?No wonder it had an exceptional re-run when the show was aired during the lockdown.?
Have you wondered how this show was shot or some behind-the-scenes action? If you have, we have a treat for you.?Over an online media interaction, the cast of Ramayan-?Arun Govil, Dipika Chikhlia & Sunil Lahri shared a few stories and moments during the filming of this beloved show and any die-hard fan would love.
Ramanand Sagar's son, Prem Sagar revealed that during their shoot in an area known as Umbergaon, the tribals living closeby would bring their newborn babies to seek blessings from?Arun Govil who played the role of Lord Ram. They would place their babies at his feet and ask for his blessings. They treated him as Lord Ram and not just an actor.?
Never seen or heard before that one actor would play three different characters. Aslam Khan portrayed the roles of?Samudra Dev, a saint, and a member of the Vaanar Sena. Khan played these roles so well that no one could point out that it was the same person.??
When Ramayan was shot, there was no concept of junior artists. So in order to get junior artists, the crew had?assigned few people to go banging drums around nearby villages and make an announcement that whoever comes on the set will get food and money.?
"I am allergic to artificial jewelry so I had blood and pus around my ears. During monsoon, snakes had entered Sunil Lahri's room. But, we eventually overcame these challenges and functioned smoothly for over three years," Dipika said.?
?Ramanand Sagar respected women, a fact shared by Dipika Chikhlia. "Because of his respect for women, he took liberty in showing a few things. He told the government that he won't make Uttar Ramayan because he could not agree that a person like Ram can throw his wife out. He had clearly told them he will only do it till Ram Rajya and won't do after Uttar Kand." And that's why he faced a court case for years.
We loved this dose of nostalgia that went into creating one of the best shows ever! We hope you do too!