J-K's Muslim actors take to Ram Leela stage

Talwara: Twenty-two-year-old Mohammad Sadiq is a walking contradiction. He is a devout Muslim as well as a Ram Leela enthusiast.

It was his love for theatre that drew him to the Ram Leela at Talwara and the stage has been a part of his life for more than 11 years this year, when he gears up to become Sugreeva and Kaushalaya.

He's hoping this year too, he's going to pull off a convincing performance.

Mohamamd Sadiq says, Yahan ke jo bhai the, who karte the. Main chotha tha, dekta tha. Lagta tha karoon main." ("As a child I would watch the artists perform, use make up, wear costumes. I always wanted to be a part of it.")

There may have been strong reservations from his family at first, but now the village sees Sadiq's performance as an example of harmonious living. Starting off by playing bit parts, Sadiq is now an important part of the Ram Leela troupe.

He says, "Shuroo shuroo main problem huye. Yeh bhi bola Muslim ho." (Initially they had problems. People would say you are a Muslim so why are you doing this.")

However, Sadiq has not only broken the stereotype but is also setting a trend. Many youngsters from his community who have watched him perform on stage, have now decided to do the same.

Following in Sadiq's footsteps, 20-year-old Mohammad Qayoom, plans to debut on the Ram Leela stage this year.

Qasim says, "Maine isliye socha yeh kar sakta hai to main kyun nahin. Art main mazhab nahin hota." ("I would watch Sadiq perform and wanted to join in. Art and stage have no relgion.")

Adds Ram Leela Committee Cordinator, Pawan Sharma, "Din ko sabhi roza rahkte hain. Sham ko hamare paas aate hai. Isse bada example kya ho sakta hai." ("These youngsters here keep fasts during Ramzan and then in the evenings come for Ram Leela. It is the best example of unity here.")

On stage, religious identities melt and give way to a performance that celebrates much more.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)

#Jammu and Kashmir #Muslim actors #Ram Leela #Navratri #Ramazan #Kashmir Monitor