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Nainital Ramlila showcases Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb as Muslim artists portray key Hindu epic roles
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News18•12-10-2026, 18:39
Nainital Ramlila showcases Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb as Muslim artists portray key Hindu epic roles
- •Anwar Raza plays the boatman Kevat to help Lord Rama cross the river during the Sukhatal Ramlila in Nainital.
- •Nasir Ali has been playing characters like Guru Vashishtha for 20 years, imparting weaponry knowledge to Rama and Lakshmana.
- •Javed breathes life into crucial episodes such as the slaying of Tadka and the illusion of Narada through his acting.
- •Artists on the Ramlila stage are identified by their characters rather than their religion, promoting mutual brotherhood.
Key Questions Answered
The Sukhatal Ramlila is distinguished by its reflection of the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, where artists from the Muslim community—such as Anwar Raza, Nasir Ali, and Javed—play prominent roles like the boatman Kevat and Guru Vashishtha, demonstrating that the event is a symbol of mutual brotherhood and harmony rather than just a religious gathering.
Nasir Ali has been participating in the Sukhatal Ramlila for 20 years, playing various characters including Maricha and Guru Vashishtha, in which capacity he imparts the knowledge of weaponry to Lord Rama and Lakshmana.
Anwar Raza plays the boatman Kevat to help Lord Rama cross the river during his exile, while Javed performs in key episodes such as the slaying of Tadka and the illusion of Narada.
