“Shrimad Ramayan is designed to resonate not only with older generations but also with today's youth”, says actor Sujay Reu

Sony Entertainment Television’s divine epic ‘Shrimad Ramayan’ has struck a chord with viewers, showcasing the timeless journey of Lord Ram and emphasizing wholesome values and life lessons that remain relevant even today. Thus far, viewers have witnessed the divine birth of Lord Ram, his reunion with King Dashrath after his return from the gurukul, and how he confronts the dreaded Taadka. And now, the makers will be presenting yet another significant tale and a pivotal moment in the narrative, with the grand ‘Ram – Sita Swayamwar!’ 
 

After giving moksha to Ahilya, who was condemned to become a stone, Lord Ram follows Sage Vishwamitra to Mithila, where he participates in the ‘Sita Swayamvar’ organized by King Janak in the palace. King Janak has proclaimed that a man strong enough to lift the Shiv Dhanush will be wedded to his daughter, Sita, and Lord Ram is not only able to lift and string the bow but also bend it so that it snapped in the middle. And thus, the grand Swayamvar of Sita will conclude with her sacred marriage with Lord Ram.
 

In a candid conversation, actor Sujay Reu, who breathes life into Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shri Ram, throws light on the preparations he undertook and why feels that he’s not just playing a role but taking on a profound responsibility by playing ‘Lord Ram.’
 
1.    When offered the role of Shri Ram, what was your initial reaction? 
When I discovered that I had been chosen to portray the most revered deity, ‘Lord Ram’, in ‘Shrimad Ramayan,’ I was overwhelmed, to say the least. And, at the same time, I experienced joy, excitement, and happiness. The first thing I did was express my gratitude to the almighty as I believe that I had His blessings. My journey began with multiple rounds of auditions and mock shoots, as it was very important to bring out the right verbal and non-verbal emotion while portraying Lord Ram, who is known to be the embodiment of chivalry and virtue. When the news of my selection finally arrived, I was genuinely at a loss for words. This entire experience has been gratifying as securing the role meant the world to me. And, this excitement will continue until the completion of this journey, lingering until the very last day of the shoot.
 
2.    How did you approach the immense responsibility of playing the character of Shri Ram, and what steps did you take to prepare for such a significant role 
Playing Lord Ram is certainly a huge responsibility as he is referred to as 'Maryada Purushottam,' the ideal man and finest among all. Lord Ram’s compassion and empathy are reflected in his eyes, his demeanour encompasses his entire existence; keeping these characteristics in mind, I ensure I leave no stone unturned while playing Him. As part of the preparation, I began to perceive Lord Ram as an emotion, and not just as a God or a human. I read several books, like ‘Ram Rajya’ by Ashutosh Rana, ‘Ramayan Unravelled’ by Amy Gandhi, Valmiki’s ‘Ramayan’ and I also follow many mythological speakers on social media, which has immensely helped me. Apart from this, I have attended acting workshops where we were trained on how to develop and portray this character effectively by Rajit Kapoor.
 
3.    Has portraying the character of Shri Ram brought about any changes in your life similar to the transformative experiences often associated with taking on such a role?
I feel that the biggest lesson I've learned and the primary quality I'm trying to instil within myself is ‘selflessness’ just like Lord Ram. This is one of the key changes I have observed in myself. Now, when I approach a situation in my life, I try to apply his teachings. Another aspect I have imbibed is ‘patience’. So yes, in the process of playing such an important role, I too am learning many aspects and applying them wherever necessary.
 
4.    Could you share your experience regarding the challenging language and unique body language required for this show and how you navigated these aspects while portraying the character of Shri Ram?
Undoubtedly, this entire experience, in terms of demeanour and language, is truly unique, and as an actor, I have found immense joy in the process of being part of this show. Wearing the costumes and immersing oneself in the role feels like I am transporting myself to the primordial era.
Portraying Lord Ram involves mastering his compassion, purity, and perfection. I have dedicated a lot of time and effort to refining my diction, as has our entire team, to ensure an authentic portrayal. The makers and our team have strived to make this adaptation relevant for today's audience and the approach to our storytelling is innovative and interesting. Although the core of the Ramayan remains unchanged, the presentation of Shrimad Ramayan aims to captivate viewers by making it relatable. It's designed to resonate not only with older generations but also with today's youth. Our team's goal is to bridge the gap between generations, allowing one and all to enjoy television viewing, just as our parents' generation did. 
 
5.    The next big track is the Ram – Sita Swayamwar, how has your experience been shooting with your co-actor, Prachi? 
                                                      
This entire sequence has been a phenomenal experience. The scale at which we have shot for this is unparalleled, with so many emotions coming to the fore - the jubilation of the people, Sita’s happiness at Lord Ram breaking the Dhanush, and Lord Ram’s calmness yet joy of finding his soulmate amidst all of this has been an enriching occurrence for me. Prachi is such an understanding co-star and it helps to have someone like her to bring out the mutual respect, trust, and a deep understanding that characterizes Ram and Sita’s love for each other.