Hot Posts

6/recent/ticker-posts

Ashutosh Rana in Humare Ram: A Ravana Beyond Good & Evil !!

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.

For Rana, portraying Ravana isn’t just about bringing a character to life. It’s about helping audiences see that even in the most seemingly villainous figures, there is humanity, and in every story, there’s room for empathy and understanding.

Post a Comment

0 Comments