“Ramayan” star Arun Govil, who is widely recognized for his portrayal of Lord Ram in the legendary Indian television series, was among the esteemed attendees at the eagerly anticipated Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya earlier this week; however, the actor’s experience was tinged with a sense of disappointment. Post the high-profile event, Govil conveyed his discontent, citing his inability to witness the confirmed idol of Lord Ram within the newly inaugurated temple—a moment he had presumably looked forward to as a guest of honor.
Arun Govil, alongside his co-actors from “Ramayan,” Dipika Chiklia and Sunil Lahiri, who essayed the roles of Goddess Sita and Laxman respectively, had graced Ayodhya several days prior to the inauguration. Their visit also included work on their upcoming devotional album ‘Hamare Ram Aayenge’, which they shot in the holy city leading up the event. Despite the celebratory undertone of the visit, Govil’s personal expectations appeared to have been somewhat unmet.
In an interaction with Bharat 24, Govil expressed his thoughts on the experience: “Sapna toh bhaiya poora ho gaya par mujhe darshan nahi hue. Main kuch nahi keh sakta iss samay (The dream has indeed been fulfilled, but I could not do ‘darshan’. I cannot say anything at this moment).” The sentiment reveals the gap between Govil’s aspirations for the visit and the reality he encountered.
Prior to the ceremony, during a media interaction in Ayodhya, Govil had enunciated the expected cultural and spiritual significance the Ram temple held, “Ayodhya’s Ram temple will prove to be our ‘Rashtra Mandir.’ A revived message will emanate from here to strengthen a culture that has somewhat diminished over the past years around the globe. It will be a beacon of heritage, inspiration, and faith—our collective pride and new identity. It is incumbent upon us that our morals, reflected by this edifice, be embraced by everyone.”
“This consecration of Lord Ram, that it has transpired into such a grand occasion, it’s undoubtedly the most significant event of my life,” Govil had said, emphasizing his emotions tied to this monumental event in his and the nation’s journey. “So much energy, so much emotion; our country resonates with the name of Ram, an atmosphere of joy pervades around those who believe in Lord Ram—it’s a feeling I had not anticipated, making it ever so gratifying.”
Sunil Lahiri had mirrored this sentiment, feeling privileged to witness and partake in the Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav, an opportunity to understand and experience elements of culture and tradition that were previously unknown to him. He remarked upon the religious and positive vibe spreading across the country, anticipating that it would project a positive message to the global community.
Dipika Chikhlia had reflected on the deep-rooted love and reverence the populace shared for the characters immortalized in “Ramayan,” saying, “Our portrayal has installed a permanent image in the hearts of people, and the construction of the Ram temple is unlikely to change that. With Lord Ram’s life being consecrated here, the love we’ve received is immense. The characters of ‘Ramayan’ will persist to be cherished just as they always have.”
Despite the grandeur and the collective sentiment shared across the country, Arun Govil’s personal account of the inauguration stands as a stark reminder of the personal pilgrimages we undertake, and how sometimes, even amidst grand celebrations, individual expectations may still remain unfulfilled.
