Delhi’s festive season is about to get more dramatic. The city’s cultural calendar will soon be ruled by ramlilas, and this year’s casting has already created buzz. Actor Poonam Pandey has been roped in to play Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, at the famous Luv Kush Ramlila staged at Red Fort grounds. Sharing the stage with her will be Arya Babbar, who takes on the powerful role of Ravana.
Poonam Pandey calls it a proud moment
Poonam Pandey has expressed her excitement about the opportunity, calling it both a privilege and an honour. In a heartfelt note addressed to the organisers, she wrote, “I sincerely thank the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee for inviting me on this auspicious occasion. It is indeed a matter of immense joy and pride for me to be
given the opportunity to be a part of this historic and grand celebration. Ramlila is not just a religious event, but also a festival of our culture and traditions. By being associated with it, I consider myself truly fortunate. With complete devotion and enthusiasm, I am eagerly looking forward to being part of this program.”
She also shared that for her, Ramlila is not only a spiritual event but a cultural celebration that has stood the test of time.
Arya Babbar returns as Ravana
Arya Babbar, meanwhile, is not new to the role of Ravana. Back in 2015, he played the demon king on television in the mythological series Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman. At the time, he said: “I’ve always been fascinated by the character of Ravana… I believe he is the most colourful character ever created. Every human emotion is so well depicted in his life span.”
Now, with a live audience in the Capital, Arya will reprise Ravana once more, bringing his own flair to the legendary role.
A unique pairing on stage
It will be the first time audiences see Poonam Pandey and Arya Babbar take on these iconic mythological characters together in a Ramlila setting. With one of Delhi’s oldest ramlila committees behind the production, the pairing adds a fresh edge to this year’s celebration at Red Fort.
