Ravan was not just a villain, says Puneet Issar on his role in Ishwar
Known for his iconic portrayals of
mythological characters
on stage and screen, actor
Puneet Issar
is once again set to don the crown of Lankadhipati Ravan—but this time, in an entirely new light. The veteran actor will headline the upcoming theatrical production Ishwar, written and directed by playwright
Atul Satya Koushik
,
In a candid conversation with Bombay Times, Issar opens up about the play, his collaboration with the director, and why Ishwar is a deeply layered exploration of one of mythology's most misunderstood figures.
'Not Just the Antagonist'
'Ishwar is not your typical retelling of the Ramayana,' says the actor. 'It explores the human side of Ravan, his dilemmas, emotional battles, and psychological depth. The rage, the pain, the mind of an antagonist, it's all here, but seen through a humane lens. This Ravan is not just the villain; he's a man driven by belief, conflict, and emotion.'
Puneet, who previously worked with Atul on Ravan Ki Ramayan in 2015, notes the stark contrast between the two productions. 'If Ravan Ki Ramayan was about Ravan justifying his actions through fiery monologues and confrontations, Ishwar is North Pole to that South Pole,' he explains. 'This play is far more introspective. It digs deep into Ravan's relationships with his wife, his sister, his son, even Sita, and the emotional nuances in each of those dynamics.'
'Atul Satya Koushik has an incredible ability to bring out the humanity in every character'
Issar is full of praise for Atul Satya Koushik, whose writing he calls 'top class' and 'A-grade.' 'He has an incredible ability to bring out the humanity in every character, especially the women,' says Puneet. 'In Ishwar, female characters are central—whether it's Ravan's wife Mandodari, his sister Shurpanakha, or his daughter-in-law. The king-queen, father-son, and husband-wife dynamics are etched out with such detail.'
He continues, 'Every character in this play has a beginning, middle, and end. Nothing is there just for the sake of it. The dialogue, the structure—everything has been written with intention. That's what makes this play stand out.'
'This one's special'
Reflecting on his nearly decade-long gap since Ravan Ki Ramayan, Puneet notes how much has changed. 'It's been 10 years, and we've all grown—personally and creatively. Working with Atul again feels like picking up an evolved conversation, and this time, it's deeper, more philosophical.'
As audiences prepare to witness this multi-dimensional portrayal of Ravan, Puneet leaves them with a thought: 'Villains are often the most emotionally complex characters. And sometimes, understanding them brings us closer to understanding ourselves.'
The cast includes well-known names like Dipannita Sharma, Himanshu Soni, and Amit Pachori, alongside Puneet Issar. The play is described as a bold reimagining of the Ramayana, examining Ravan's ambition, personal dharma, and moral ambiguity.
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