AKHILENDRA MISHRA SAYS HE WOULD VISIT SHIV MANDIR AND RECITE SHIV TANDAV TO PREPARE FOR RAVANA’S ROLE EVERY DAY FOR ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS

Jyothi Venkatesh

When Ramayan is mentioned, after Ram and Sita, it is Ravana who elicits the most interest. Anand Sagar’s Ramayan is not just a show but an emotion which every Indian feels deeply even after watching it several times. During these lockdown days, Ramayan which airs on Dangal channel has proved to be a stress buster for everyone and has made people remember the good old days.

Recollecting on how Akhilendra Mishra prepared himself for the role of Ravana, he says, “I always wanted to play Ravana. Ramayan was my first ever mythological serial. I had a routine set for myself. I would daily visit the Shiv mandir in Baroda and recite Shiv Tandav and meditate for an hour before reaching the set. Since the temple was in the Army premises, I had special permissions to visit the temple. I am a huge follower of Bholenath. My belief in Bholenath helped me perform the role with ease.

This routine of going to the temple followed by shoot lasted for around seven months. During those days, I got to read a lot about Lord Ram and Ravana. Overall, it was a beautiful experience.”Anand Sagar’s Ramayan is entertaining millions of viewers once again. Ramayan, the epic tale of promises and ideologies is aired every evening at 7.30pm and repeat telecast at 9.30am only on Dangal channel.