The revered town of Ayodhya witnessed a unique confluence of television mythos and spiritual heritage as actors Arun Govil, Sunil Lahiri, and Dipika Chikhlia, celebrated for their roles in the legendary Ramanand Sagar’s television series ‘Ramayan’, arrived to film their devotional album ‘Hamare Ram Aayenge’. This visit, infused with both cultural significance and timely anticipation, came just before the momentous inauguration of the Ram temple, a centerpiece of devotion in the city, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In the days leading to the Pran Pratistha Mahotsav, a ritual bringing divine presence into the idol of Lord Ram, these iconic figures could be seen engrossed in the album’s production, adorned in saffron traditional clothing. The streets of Ayodhya thrummed with a renewed sense of history as they traversed paths that are deeply etched in the Hindu mythology tied to the city.
Arun Govil, who once graced television screens as Lord Ram, shared heartfelt insights with media at an event. “Ayodhya’s Ram temple will prove to be our ‘Rashtra Mandir.’” He detailed how the temple’s presence hearkens to a cultural rebirth, promising to reinforce the cultural values that resonate across the globe. “This temple will again send a message that will strengthen our culture. It is a heritage that will be known to the whole world…it will be our pride, it will become our identity. Our morals should be adopted by all.” Reflecting on the grandeur of the forthcoming consecration ceremony, he expressed his profound joy and sense of fortune at witnessing such a defining occasion.
The emotion was shared by Sunil Lahiri, who became synonymous with the character of Laxman. He conveyed his auspicious feelings at being part of the Pran Pratistha Mahotsav and expressed what the vibrant, positive atmosphere meant for the country and, indeed, the whole world. Emphasizing the significance of understanding the principles that Lord Ram embodies, Lahiri articulated, “Those who have been denying Ram, they do not know what Ram is unless someone reads Ramayana. God is Maryada Purushottam… this teaching is not known to those who deny Ram.”
Adding to these esteemed voices was Dipika Chikhlia, who immortalized Goddess Sita. Chikhlia echoed a sentiment of deep connection with the masses, stating, “Our image has settled in the hearts of the people,” highlighting the enduring love that the characters of Ramayana have elicited and will continue to receive even with the temple’s construction.
As preparations for the Pran Pratistha ceremony went ahead, the forthcoming album ‘Hamare Ram Aayenge’ promised exquisite devotional tunes sung by renowned vocalist Sonu Nigam. The album, which integrates the spiritual essence of the holy city, was shot at pivotal religious touchpoints such as Guptar Ghat, Hanumangarhi, and Lata Chowk in Ayodhya.
This extraordinary gathering for the album’s production transcended a mere artistic endeavor, symbolizing a spiritual homecoming for the trio. Arun Govil, Sunil Lahiri, and Dipika Chikhlia will grace the Pran Pratistha ceremony, thereby strengthening the link between the televised depiction of Hindu epics and the palpable fervor of faith manifesting in one of Hinduism’s hallowed grounds. As Ayodhya gears up to celebrate its divine son’s return with the establishment of the grand temple, the presence of these artists who have long been associated with the epic narrative adds an additional layer of reverence and nostalgia to the mix, ensuring a collective memory that will resonate for generations to come.
