New Delhi: Delhi’s historic Red Fort grounds witnessed a grand spectacle on Thursday evening as Bollywood actor Bobby Deol performed the symbolic Ravana Vadh during the world-renowned Luv Kush Ramlila. Playing the role of Lord Ram, the actor released the ceremonial arrow that set ablaze the towering effigy of Ravana, a moment greeted with thunderous applause from thousands of spectators gathered to mark Dussehra.
The enactment, steeped in cultural and spiritual symbolism, celebrated the timeless victory of good over evil. As the effigy went up in flames, chants of “Jai Shri Ram” reverberated across the venue, adding to the festive fervor of the night.
Bobby Deol’s Special Milestone
This year’s performance carried special significance for Bobby Deol, who is celebrating 30 years in the film industry. Accepting the invitation of the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee, Deol chose to mark the milestone with a spiritual gesture by participating in the iconic celebration.
Committee president Arjun Kumar, speaking on the occasion, praised the actor’s decision, noting, “Bobby Deol has always been deeply spiritual. At this juncture in his career, he wished to seek the blessings of Lord Ram. We are grateful he accepted our invitation to be a part of this historic moment.”
The actor’s appearance was met with immense enthusiasm by the audience, many of whom were excited to see a beloved film star stepping into the revered role of Ram.
Nikhil Dwivedi Joins the Stage
Adding to the evening’s grandeur, actor-producer Nikhil Dwivedi also joined Deol on stage for the symbolic enactment. Their joint performance heightened the drama of the climactic moment, capturing the attention of the massive crowd assembled at the Red Fort.
The presence of film stars has long been a tradition at the Luv Kush Ramlila, with organizers often inviting prominent names from the entertainment industry to participate in key moments of the stage play.
A Legacy of Star Participation
Recalling past editions, Arjun Kumar highlighted that several big names from Bollywood have previously graced the festival. Actors such as Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Rohit Shetty, Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, and South Indian superstar Prabhas have all been part of the Ramlila celebrations in different years. Each of them, he said, expressed devotion toward Lord Ram by participating in various roles or rituals, strengthening the spiritual and cultural fabric of the annual event.
This tradition has not only added glamour to the proceedings but also helped connect younger audiences to the rich heritage of the Ramlila through the popularity of their favorite film personalities.
Thousands Witness the Spectacle
The Red Fort grounds, which host one of the most prominent Ramlilas in the country, were filled with an electric atmosphere as families, children, and devotees thronged the venue for the much-awaited climax of the nine-day festivities. The burning of Ravana’s effigy, standing tall and brightly lit, symbolized the destruction of arrogance and evil.
Spectators erupted in cheers as the effigy collapsed in flames, a dramatic conclusion that has for generations remained the heart of Dussehra celebrations across India.
The Spiritual and Cultural Significance
The Ramlila, a traditional dramatization of the Ramayana, culminates each year with the slaying of Ravana. The performance at the Red Fort is considered one of the most celebrated and widely attended in the country, with a legacy stretching back decades.
For many attendees, Bobby Deol’s portrayal of Lord Ram was more than just a performance—it was a moment where cinema met spirituality, blending popular culture with age-old tradition.
Organizers Express Gratitude
The Luv Kush Ramlila Committee expressed gratitude for the overwhelming turnout and the support of the Delhi administration in making the event successful. They noted that the presence of stars like Deol and Dwivedi added to the visibility of the Ramlila, but emphasized that the true essence of the celebration lies in its message of righteousness triumphing over wrongdoing.
Arjun Kumar summed it up by saying, “Every year, we strive to keep the spirit of Lord Ram alive through this festival. The involvement of artists like Bobby Deol reaffirms that the story of the Ramayana continues to inspire across generations.”
A Night to Remember
As the night concluded with fireworks lighting up the sky above the Red Fort, the crowd dispersed carrying with them memories of an unforgettable evening. For many, it was not only the joy of seeing their favorite actor take on the role of Ram but also the reaffirmation of the timeless message that truth and virtue ultimately prevail.
Bobby Deol’s Ravana Vadh at the Luv Kush Ramlila has now etched itself into the festival’s rich legacy, adding a special chapter that blended cinematic star power with India’s enduring spiritual traditions.
