Chandigarh/Mohali/Panchkula, September 19: Beyond recycled costumes, new stagecraft, and added scenes, it is the dedication of families—fathers, sons, mothers and daughters—that keeps the spirit of Ramlila alive across the tricity. For many, the annual performances are less about spectacle and more about carrying forward a legacy deeply woven into family history.
In Chandigarh’s Sector 30, the Sharma family has been at the heart of Shri Ashwani Bal Dramatic Club for more than three decades. The journey began with Bhawani Dutt Sharma, a primary committee member since 1990. His sons—Parkash, Harish, and Mohan—continued with equal zeal. Parkash has managed committee affairs since 2002, while Harish and Mohan regularly played mantris in the Vanar Sena. Now, the mantle has passed to the third generation.
Aditya Sharma, who today serves as the club’s general secretary, has taken on prominent roles such as Kaushalya and Kekayi. “Carrying forward my grandfather’s legacy is my way of preserving our Indian culture—especially among Gen Z under the influence of Western trends. Ramlila gives me the perfect platform to keep our traditions alive, again and again,” he said.
In Panchkula, tradition takes an unconventional turn with Jaddon Se Juddo, an all-women Ramlila now in its fourth year at the Indradhanush Auditorium. The production is unique not only for its women-led cast but also for the intergenerational continuity that drives it. The team includes three generations—Pushpa Juneja, revered as Guru Mata; her daughter, founder and host Ekta Nagpal; and Ekta’s daughter Janvi, who takes on the role of Hanuman.
“I’ve always been a devotee of Hanuman bhagwan and this role feels deeply personal to me,” said Janvi. “My mother has trained me well to channel his leadership qualities and fearlessness into my performance.”
The cast also includes another family trio: Usha Dubey as Guru Mata, her daughter Aabha Shukla as Ram, and her 17-year-old granddaughter Ananya Shukla as Vedvati. Together, they challenge convention while staying rooted in tradition. This year’s staging will incorporate digital light and sound effects in an indoor setting at Indradhanush Auditorium on September 22, with live streaming across 10 platforms including Jio, YouTube, Tata Play and Google TV.
At the Ordnance Club in Sector 29, the tradition spans three generations of the Sharma-Bhardwaj family. SS Sharma was known for decades as Dashrath, remembered for his dedication to the role. His son, Jyoti Bhardwaj, became the longest-serving Ram in Chandigarh but has this year stepped into the role of Ravan. Now, Jyoti’s son Chirayrau, an MPA student, has taken responsibility for backstage operations.
“I’ve always loved playing different characters in Ramlila, but over the years I’ve come to realise how crucial the work behind the curtains is,” the 21-year-old said. “Without the right lighting, sound and coordination, the entire performance could falter. Being able to support the show in this way has given me a deeper appreciation for every detail that my family has spent their lives working for.”
Meanwhile at the Parade Ground in Sector 17, the Bagga family’s association with Ramlila stretches over six decades. It began with Sohan Lal Bagga, who played Ram in 1961, and continued with his son Rajinder Bagga. Today, his grandson Gaurav Bagga carries forward the tradition, donning the role of Ram this year.
Adding a tender dimension, the family’s fourth generation is also joining in. Gaurvik Bagga, Gaurav’s eight-month-old son, will make an appearance as the newborn Ram, symbolising how devotion to Ramlila passes gently from one generation to the next.
Across the tricity, these families show that Ramlila is more than performance. It is inheritance, discipline, and devotion—handed down year after year, keeping myth, memory, and culture alive for new audiences.
