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Economic Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
When Ram met Raavan in Karachi: Ramayana takes the centre-stage in Pakistan for the first time ever
TIL Creatives Representational AI Image. In a groundbreaking moment for South Asian theatre, Ramayana —the Hindu epic—was performed for the first time in Pakistan, premiering on July 11 at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi, reported TOI. Directed by 30-year-old Yogeshwar Karera, the production featured an all-Muslim cast (except for the director), cutting-edge use of AI, and a sold-out show of around 1,000 tickets—despite ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Karera, a finance graduate-turned-theatre director, launched the play under the banner of Mauj Collective, a Karachi-based theatre group he co-founded just a year ago. 'We didn't anticipate this level of enthusiasm,' Karera admitted, referring to the warm reception from audiences and the cross-border curiosity it generated. Rather than stir controversy, the show sparked to the report, the team also promoted the play with a clever twist: a social media video featuring light-hearted, imaginative questions like 'If Ram could tweet from the forest, what would he say?' and 'If Raavan gave a TED Talk, what would its title be?' The video went viral, adding buzz in the lead-up to the premiere. While the Hindu epic might be seen as a religiously sensitive choice in Pakistan, the cast and crew say they encountered no resistance. 'Nobody questioned our decision—not the sponsors, not the venues,' said Raana Kazmi, who co-founded Mauj Collective and played the role of Sita. 'It only came up when the media asked. People from all walks of life came to see it—students, families, seniors. A friend even shared how a parent explained each scene to their child during the show.' Karera's childhood fascination with the Ramayana began with watching Ramanand Sagar's televised version on Doordarshan, TOI further reported.'Even though I'm not from the religious community it's rooted in, the story always felt like mine. It's part of our subcontinental culture, and its values are universal,' he said. To bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, the team modified a few Sanskrit and Hindi terms to ones more familiar to Karachi audiences. Words like prakriti became kudrat . These adjustments occasionally led to on-stage hiccups, said TOI. 'In one scene, Hanuman gives me a ring, and I know the word anguthi . But one day, Jibran (who played Hanuman) said 'mundrika,' and I just froze,' Kazmi laughed, recalling the confusion. 'I had no idea what a mundrika was supposed to be.' Ashmal Lalwany, who played Ram, echoed the belief that the story felt organically theirs to tell. 'It was never about messaging or politics. We weren't trying to say anything profound—we were just telling a story that belongs to this land.' With strong performances, modern tech, and a fearless reinterpretation of a cultural classic, Mauj Collective's Ramayana not only entertained—it made history.
Listly
15-10-2024
- Listly
Top Tips for First-Time Travellers Visiting Maldives—Prepare for an Awesome Adventure
As an all-Muslim nation, the Maldives adheres to conservative laws but that does not mean they hinder you in any way from enjoying a holiday of sun, sand, and surf. While on your private island resort in the Maldives, you can dress as you please, enjoy your favourite drinks, and be yourself. However, when out and about exploring, it's respectful to pay attention to the nation's customs and not offend the friendly locals, or break the law. You cannot take alcohol or pork into the nation. Likewise, you cannot indulge in alcoholic beverages when you are on local islands, nor must you appear intoxicated outside of your private resort island. The islanders are conservative and you must be mindful to dress accordingly when outside exploring the capital Mále or other public areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, and if you are sea bathing outside of your resort, make sure the beach allows bikinis before you wear one—not all public beaches allow bikinis. When visiting the shrines, cover your shoulders and wear clothing that goes below your knee; carrying a simple shawl or long-sleeved shirt will make it a hassle-free experience. To be doubly sure about the laws, you can check out the Maldives travel advisory website.
