Aurangabad: In the Ramlila in Aurangabad, instead of Ram taking centrestage, it's Ravana who becomes the showstopper.
A dancer tries to charm Ravana and a self-indulgent king throws money at her. The excesses of Ravana draw a big crowd and the foot-tapping Bhojpuri number is a big hit.
“Our committee organised this Ramlila and everyone seems to have enjoyed it,” said a local resident, Sanjay Kumar.
“I liked it but Ravana should not have thrown money,” said another local resident, Santosh Kumar Mehta.
But there are some who do not approve of, what they think is, a rather decadent portrayal.
“I did not like it at all. Traditionally, Ramlila is not supposed to be like this," said a resident, Rakesh Kumar.
“I did not like it but there are lots of people in the audience who liked the performance,” said another local, Veeru.
But the ‘new’ style is not quite as uncommon anymore. Ramlila across the country is being adapted to incorporate catchy music and suit popular taste.
But there is also a growing debate as to whether mass culture is destroying a traditional art form like Ramlila.
(With inputs from Om Prakash Singh)
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