In Photos: Behind the Scenes With the Gods of Ram Leela

Have a look at what happens behind all the glitz, glamour and crowds at Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra.

A girl child who plays a role in Ram Leela.

(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

Ram Leela is a folk play on the life of Lord Rama, based on the stories from the epic Ramayana.

In every frame each artist is seen busy preparing. (Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

Already fascinated by the socio-cultural reverence for the tradition of Ram Leela, a visit to Ram Leela Sabha at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra seemed captivating. The greater part of the day was spent with the theatre artists of this Ram Leela to get an idea of the training and production they go through, to gain an understanding of the physical, emotional and intellectual demands made on these actors as they play roles to the delight of hundreds every year.

Man who plays Raavan can be seen adjusting his heavy crown. (Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

An artist calmly looking at his reflection while doing the makeup. (Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

Any play is as much about acting as much as it’s about the costumes. In this frame, we can see the parts of costume lying around, and at the same time an artist can be seen adding finishes touches to her makeup. (Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

An artist laughs as her fellow artist helps her tie the costume.   (Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

Her gaze is so intense, it seems to cut through the cultures. (Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

The artists who play Hanuman and Laxman look at their reflection in the mirror. (Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

Yet another frame behind the curtains. Performers rushing towards the stage for their act.  (Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

Walking towards the stage, excited performers can be seen followed by their lead artist.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

An artist adding final touches to her hair before her scene starts.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

He is anxious, as can be seen in the mirror, about his upcoming act.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

It’s all about expressions(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

A drummer helping a fellow artist to tie a band around his arm.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

Yet another frame behind the curtains. Performers rushing towards the stage for their act.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

An artist is looking into the mirror during his make-up session.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

An artist looks into her small mirror while painting her lips.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

A couple of artists, sharing a laughter of satisfaction, after successfully completing their respective acts.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

Light director of play can be seen advising his colleague, using his age-old experience.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

Behind the canvas, an archer is seen rushing to the stage for his act.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

An artist doing the eyebrows of a fellow artist, while others can be seen busy doing their own make-up.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)

Cutting through the curtains, the smile on her face is enough to narrate the story.(Photo: Danish Qazi/The Quint)