Saturday Bollywood: Ramayana and Mahabharata have shaped the socio-political landscape of India since colonial times. Starting from the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke to director Vijay Bhatt, ancient scriptures are part of their narrative. Before grand sets, costumes and VFX, Indian filmmakers never shied away from attempting mystical stories and myths, even with the lack of technology. Vijay Bhatt’s Ram Rajya (1943) based on Saint Valmiki Ramayan it was one of the landmark films in the history of Indian cinema. It is probably the only film that the Father of the Nation watched in the theater. Ram Rajya was also the first Indian film to premiere overseas.Also Read – This village in Uttar Pradesh does not celebrate Dussehra. Here’s why.
PREM NARAYAN WHO PLAYED LORD RAM TAKES TITLE FROM WAJID ALI SHAH
Prem Narayan Adib, who played Lord Ram Ram Rajya he became the go-to guy for mythological films at the time. His family had been given the honorific title Adib, which was a Persian-Arabic term for “learned, erudite and culturally refined” by the last Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah. The character of Goddess Sita was essayed by Shobhana Samarth. The on-screen duo reprized their roles in Vijay Bhatt’s Rambaan (1948). Also Read – Adipurush Teaser Launch Video: Prabhas As Lord Ram Gets Ready To Battle Saif Ali Khan As Lankesh In Adipurush
RAM RAJYA PREMIERES IN THE USA
Vijay Bhatt had organized the premiere of the film for the star cast and VIPs. An invitation was sent to Mahatma Gandhi, who agreed to attend the premiere for ten minutes. However, he was so engrossed in the epic saga that despite being reminded by his aide, Mahatma Gandhi watched the entire film. It was the only film he watched in his life as he had no particular interest in cinema. Ram Rajya it became the third highest-grossing Indian film of 1943. It was also the first Indian film to open in the United States. Also Read – Most Valuable Adipurush Movie Says Prabhas After Out First Teaser
Vijay Bhatt’s direction also gained popularity as Mahatma Gandhi often mentioned Ram Rajya (the rule of Lord Rama) to emphasize fair democratic governance.
For more updates on Ram Rajya and classic Hindi cinema, check out this space on India.com.
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