What Did Sunil Lahri Say About His Blistering Experience in ‘Ramayan’?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sunil Lahri shares his painful yet memorable experiences while filming ‘Ramayan’.
- The extreme heat posed significant challenges for the cast.
- The dedication of the actors is evident in their commitment to authenticity.
- ‘Ramayan’ became a cultural phenomenon, shaping Indian television.
- The love from audiences played a crucial role in supporting the cast through hardships.
Mumbai, Dec 15 (NationPress) Actor Sunil Lahri, known for his portrayal of Lakshman in the legendary series ‘Ramayan’, reminisced about one of the most arduous scenes in the production.
On Monday, the actor shared a video on his Instagram where he discussed the memorable kevat scene from the show.
In the clip, he stated, “Jai Ram Ji ki! You must recognize this sequence from ‘Ramayana’. Filming this particular scene was quite a challenge. We shot it under the blazing sun with temperatures soaring to 50 degrees Celsius. In this scene, as we stepped off the boat, Ramanand Sagar insisted we walk barefoot in the intense heat and on the hot sand. Imagine having to tread on the sand without shoes in such extreme conditions.”
He continued, “We pleaded with him, ‘Could we wear shoes, please?’ but he declined our request. Perhaps it was meant to be a part of Ram Ji's wishes. We endured the painful journey barefoot on the burning sand, suffering bruises on our feet and struggling to wear shoes afterward. It was quite excruciating, but your support and affection helped us overlook these hardships. Please continue to shower us with your love and respect. Thank you immensely. Jai Shree Ram!”
‘Ramayan’ has become a hallmark of Indian television. The series, which aired on Doordarshan, turned Sunday mornings into a nationwide event, with families gathering around their television sets as streets lay empty. Based on the epic by Valmiki, the series narrates the story of Lord Ram with grace, moral clarity, and simplicity, making it relatable across generations and regions. The dignified performances by Arun Govil as Ram and Deepika Chikhalia as Sita have become iconic, merging the identities of actors and deities in public perception.
The understated production, traditional dialogues, and measured pacing of the series emphasized the epic’s spiritual significance rather than mere visual spectacle. Beyond entertainment, Ramayan has influenced collective memory, religious awareness, and the history of television in India.