In an event rich with cultural significance, actors Arun Govil, Sunil Lahiri, and Dipika Chikhlia—stars renowned for their roles in the epic television adaptation of ‘Ramayan’—have recently graced the holy city of Ayodhya. They congregated in the spiritual heartland to film scenes for their devotional music album ‘Hamare Ram Aayenge’, mere days ahead of the momentous inauguration of the Ram temple set to be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The veteran actors, who brought to life the characters of Lord Ram, Laxman, and Goddess Sita in the immensely popular ’80s series by Ramanand Sagar, were captured clad in saffron traditional attire, as they reverently sauntered through the ancient city streets. Their anticipated return to Ayodhya has been the talk of the town, conjuring waves of nostalgia and devotional fervor among the populace.
Arun Govil, familiar to millions as the embodiment of Lord Ram, spoke with fervor to the attending media during an event in Ayodhya. Expressing his personal sentiments, Govil reflected on the significance of the upcoming Pran Pratistha Mahotsav, the grand consecration festival for Lord Ram. “Ayodhya’s Ram temple will solidify as our ‘Rashtra Mandir’, our national temple,” he asserted, emphasizing the cultural renaissance he believes the temple will catalyze. “This temple will reinforce and celebrate our heritage on a global stage, reinvigorate our cultural ethos, and stand as a citadel of inspiration, faith, and national pride,” continued Govil.
The momentous event is not just a stone-laying but a landmark occasion in Govil’s life, as he described the vibrant atmosphere permeating the country. “To witness such fervent unity, where the entire nation is chanting in the name of Lord Ram, is an overwhelming experience for me,” he shared with palpable emotion.
Equally moved, Sunil Lahiri, who portrayed the dedicated and brave Laxman, expressed his privilege for being a part of the temple’s Pran Pratistha Mahotsav. “It’s not only a chance to deepen my personal understanding but to partake in a nation’s heartfelt devotion,” stated Lahiri. He extended his thoughts on the character of Lord Ram, suggesting that to know Ram, one must immerse oneself in the teachings of the Ramayana, which extols the virtues of dignity and moral rectitude.
Moreover, Dipika Chikhlia, cherished by the Indian audience for her iconic portrayal of Goddess Sita, offered her insights into the lasting impact of their roles and the extensive love they received from the people. “Even with the upcoming temple, I believe our characters will live on in the hearts of the faithful,” she remarked, affirming the undying legacy of the Ramayana’s teachings and the characters she and her fellow actors so memorably brought to life on screen.
The album ‘Hamare Ram Aayenge’, which also features the vocal talent of the eminent singer Sonu Nigam, was artistically captured at various spiritually significant locales in Ayodhya including Guptar Ghat, Hanumangarhi and Lata Chowk. These scenic spots, imbued with history and legend, serve as the perfect backdrop for the album that vows to capture the spirit of devotion and cultural reawakening.
The Ramayan trio also announced their participation in the Pran Pratistha ceremony, marking not just a professional engagement but a heartfelt pilgrim’s journey. The city of Ayodhya, resonating with anticipation and spiritual fervor, eagerly awaits the culmination of this grand event, where history, faith, and culture will intertwine in a memorable celebration. As the inauguration draws near, the actors’ visit serves as a poignant reminder of the power of story, tradition, and the enduring significance of the Ramayana in the collective consciousness of its devotees.
