Summary:
“Our actors do not simply enact; they do it using various dance forms; it’s more of a ‘naatya prastuti’ (dance presentation). Thus, we don’t focus much on acting skills of impersonator, and rather look for his dancing skills,” says Pooran Singh Chauhan, president, Sanskriti Kala Sangam.Among Ramlila Mandi artistes, some are proficient classical dancers who teach Kathakali in various schools in Delhi, while others are trained Kathak dancers. Also, it helps us with correct expressions.”Jyotsana Bansal (22), a first-time stage performer who is portraying Sita in a Ramlila organised by Shri Ramlila Committee, Meerut Cantt, at Bhainsali ground, holds a degree in Kathak. When the opportunity to act in Ramlila came, my family was little apprehensive about sending me to Meerut and even acting in Ramlila, but they gave up before my resolve.”Another artiste, Upendra Sinha, 37, who has been acting in Ramlilas for the past 10 years, is playing Hanuman this year. Dance forms have special impact on audience’s mind and leave a lasting impression on them..