Onika Maheshwari/ New Delhi 

"I have been a theatre artist for decades; have performed many roles on stage. However, playing the role of Ram is difficult. Just watching the Ramayana is not enough, you have to read the Ramayana to understand the character of Lord Ram. If you understand Ram, then believe me you will be free from all the troubles," Javed, who played the role of Shri Ram in a Delhi Ramleela show said.

Javed has learned acting from the Shri Ram Center and Department of Indian Theater and National School of Drama, Reportery New Delhi. He has played characters in more than 100 shows and also appeared in cameo roles in 5 Bollywood films.

He spoke with Awaz-The Voice at the Ramlila Maidan in Janakpuri East in the middle of playing Lord Shri Ram. Onika Maheshwari spoke with the actor. Excerpts from the conversation:

What inspired you to play the role of Lord Ram despite being a Muslim?

Ram's qualities inspired me a lot. Apart from 16 human qualities, Shri Ram was endowed with 12 art skills. Lord Shri Ram is called the best among men, Maryada Purushottam. He has an ideal personality. He has one bow and one promise. He also took a vow of having one wife. 

How did you connect with the character and values ​​of Lord Rama?

While playing the role of Shri Ram, I am a different person altogether. Ram is a composed God whose decency, patience, and kindness are unmatched, whereas I am very impulsive, fun-loving, and jovial. That is why I had to work hard to play a character like Ram. 

Playing the role of Ram is not easy. I say this because I have tried to understand him and during the practice sessions, I have not been able to understand Ram even 1 percent.

Did you face any initial objections or concerns from your family on the community?

The truth is they were all shocked to know that I bagged the role of Shri Ram. Everyone advised me to inculcate this character within me in the right way before going in for performance. Everyone was very happy to know that I had been given an opportunity to play the role of Maryada Purushottam, an ideal man, in Ramleela.

My friends congratulated me and my family also made me aware that this is the same Shri Ram who had eaten the sour berries of Shabri. Shabri was a devotee and she had chosen the berries with all her heart and even tasted them to make sure they tasted good before offered them to Shri Ram. Shri Ram ji had happily accepted those sour berries respecting Shabri's love and devotion.

How do you think this role helps bridge the gap between Hindu-Muslim communities?

Look, this is not the first time that a Muslim is playing the role of a Hindu character on stage, there are many examples. I am happy that I have also become one such example and symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood. 

What message do you want to convey through your portrayal of Lord Ram?

If you want to understand Ram, then you will have to read Ramayana. Ram was so decent and dignified and the respect for women was of utmost importance to him. He loved his subjects. He was also an environment lover. So I will just say that we all should follow all the qualities of Ram, only then our society will prosper.

What special thing did you do while preparing for this role to become Ram?

To play the role of Ram, I reduced 7 kilogram of my weight; ate only vegetarian food, I had blisters on my feet. During practice, I controlled my temper as I was very fast. I tried to be calm and patient like Ram, I worked hard on moving my hands here and there, and also on keeping my neck movement intact while delivering dialogues. 

What did you learn about Ram while preparing for this role?

Although we actors are told that we have to delink ourselves from the earlier roles we played I would like to adopt many qualities of this character in my life. Even after spending 14 years in exile, he did not give up on dignity, kindness, truth, mercy, and religion. This made him a great king. We should learn from Shri Ram to love our subjects and family members.

What do you think is the importance of art/music/theatre in promoting inter-religious understanding?

It is important for today's society to respect those artists who have become a symbol of goodwill, love, and brotherhood in society irrespective of religion, and are playing an important role in bridging inter-religious differences. People from all sections of society watch and listen to them. People find the words of stars more appealing than the common man. 

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Do you plan to explore more roles/projects that promote harmony?

Many people have appreciated me for my role of Shri Ram and this is the reason why I have played the role of Vishnu and Shiva earlier. In the future also whenever I get such an opportunity where I get love and respect from both communities, I will definitely play my role in that project.