Ashutosh Rana on Portraying Ravana in Humare Ram: A Complex Role Beyond Hero or Villain !!
Ashutosh Rana, one of Indian cinema’s most intense and
compelling actors, has long been known for his ability to bring life to some of
the most complex and dark characters on screen. But now, after captivating
audiences with his memorable performances in films like Sangharsh and Dushman,
he is stepping into an entirely new arena. With his latest role in the
mythological stage play Humare Ram, Rana is taking on one of the most
iconic figures in Indian mythology: Ravana.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today Digital,
Rana opened up about his portrayal of Ravana, the challenges he faced, and how
theater has given him a fresh perspective on this larger-than-life character.
Beyond the Hero vs. Villain Debate: Ravana as a Human
In a world where Ravana is often painted as the embodiment
of evil, Ashutosh Rana’s take on the character is refreshingly nuanced. Rather
than seeing Ravana as a clear-cut villain, he strives to understand him as a
complex individual with both strengths and weaknesses.
“As an actor, you can’t reduce any character to just a hero
or a villain. You need to see them as a person, a personality. Only then can
you truly bring depth and authenticity to the role,” Rana explains. He believes
that by focusing on Ravana’s humanity rather than his mythical traits, he can
offer a more grounded, relatable portrayal of the character.
In the traditional narrative of Ramayan, Ravana is
often vilified for his actions—his abduction of Sita, his arrogance, and his
ultimate downfall. But Rana looks beyond these actions. “Ravana was a scholar,
a man of great intellect, someone who had knowledge and wisdom that many
admired. But unfortunately, his pride and ego turned that knowledge into his
downfall,” he reflects. For Rana, Ravana is a tragic figure—one who was deeply
flawed, but not entirely evil.
This approach adds a layer of complexity to the character,
inviting the audience to rethink their own assumptions about good and evil.
Ravana’s story is not just about a king who challenged the gods, but about the
human struggle with pride, power, and ultimately, redemption.
The Magic of Live Theater: A Different Kind of Connection
While Ashutosh Rana’s career in film has seen him achieve
immense success, he is quick to highlight the unique joys and challenges of
performing on stage. For him, theater offers a connection with the audience
that is unlike any other medium.
“There’s something truly magical about theater,” Rana says,
his voice tinged with excitement. “In films, you’re playing to the camera, but
in theater, you’re interacting with a live audience. The instant feedback, the
energy that comes from the crowd—it’s a completely different experience. Every
performance feels like a new one.”
The spontaneity of live theater, he says, keeps him on his
toes, as he never knows exactly how the audience will respond to a particular
moment. “It’s an ongoing conversation between the stage and the spectators.
That energy is irreplaceable. It keeps you alive in the moment.”
But live theater isn’t just about the connection with the
audience—it’s also about pushing yourself as an actor. For Humare Ram,
Rana’s costume alone weighs over 15-18 kilograms, making his performance
physically demanding. Yet, he doesn’t see it as a burden. “Honestly, it’s
rejuvenating. The weight, the heavy costumes, the physical toll—they’re all
part of the performance. It challenges me to stay present, to stay in the
moment, and it pushes me to discover new layers in the character,” he shares.
The repetition of performing the same play twice a day also
keeps the experience fresh for Rana. “The role demands you to constantly
rediscover it. Every show is an opportunity to evolve, both as a person and as
an actor,” he adds.
The Absence of Ravana on Screen
Despite the fact that the Ramayan has been adapted
into numerous films over the years, Ashutosh Rana has never had the chance to
portray Ravana on screen. When asked why, he gave a thoughtful response. “I’ve
always wanted to play Ravana on screen, but it’s about finding the right script
and the right vision. The Ramayan has been told so many times. We need
to ask ourselves how we can tell this story in a way that’s fresh and
relevant,” he says.
Rana stresses that mythology, particularly something as
iconic as the Ramayan, requires a clear vision to ensure that the
retelling resonates with both the audience and the creators. “Every piece of
art, especially one rooted in mythology, needs to have a vision that aligns
with all parties involved,” he explains.
If the right script were to come his way, Rana would be open
to bringing Ravana to the screen. But it’s clear that he’s only interested in
projects that align with his own beliefs and understanding of the character.
“It’s not about just playing the role for the sake of it. It’s about doing
justice to the character and to the story,” he says.
A Role That Transforms
For Ashutosh Rana, taking on the role of Ravana in Humare
Ram has been a transformative experience. “It’s not just about portraying
an ancient character—it’s about rediscovering the magic of theater and
challenging myself as an actor,” he shares. The play’s demanding nature—both
physically and emotionally—has given Rana an opportunity to grow in ways he
hadn’t anticipated.
He relishes the opportunity to bring his own interpretation
to Ravana’s character. “The role is demanding, but it’s also incredibly
fulfilling. It forces you to understand the character in a deeper way, to
empathize with him, and to bring out his complexities. For me, it’s not a
task—it’s a journey of self-discovery.”
And that’s the essence of Ashutosh Rana’s approach to
acting. Whether it’s on stage or on screen, he strives to understand the human
condition at its core. By portraying Ravana as a multifaceted character, he
hopes to inspire audiences to look beyond surface-level judgments and reflect
on their own struggles with ego, pride, and vulnerability.
In a world where ancient stories are constantly retold,
Ashutosh Rana is determined to offer a fresh, introspective take on Ravana—one
that emphasizes the complexity of human nature and the timeless lessons that
these myths continue to offer.
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