Recently, renowned actor Raza Murad graced the historic city of Ayodhya, where he took on the significant role of Vibhishan in a traditional Ramleela performance. A clip from the event has garnered considerable attention online, showcasing Raza’s heartfelt insights about his connection to Lord Ram. In his commentary, he shared that the initials of his full name can be combined to form ‘Ram’, revealing a deep-seated spiritual bond with the deity central to Hindu belief.
Deep Connections to Ayodhya
Raza Murad, a resident of Rampur, expressed his profound attachment to Ayodhya, often referred to as the birthplace of Lord Ram. During a media interaction, he recounted his previous visits, including one in January of the same year, emphasizing the significance of this holy land in his life. He stated, “This is the holy land of Ramlala. There is a greater attachment to this. Ramlala ji has always been very kind to me.”
Highlighting the meaning behind his name, Raza elaborated on the initials from his Aadhar card—Raza Ali Murad—wherein each letter stands for a part of his name: R for Raza, A for Ali, and M for Murad, creatively forming ‘RAM’. He also reminisced about the pivotal moments in his acting career, stating, “Babu Ram Ishara gave me a break in films. The first big hit film that changed my destiny was ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’. After that, Subhash Ghai took me in ‘Ram Lakhan’, and later, Sanjay Leela Bhansali cast me in ‘Ramleela’.”
A Lifelong Love for Ram and Ayodhya
As Raza Murad continued, he expressed his joy and gratitude for being a part of the cultural presentations of Lord Ram’s life. Over the past twelve years, he has portrayed various characters in the Badstur Ramleela, including notable roles such as King Janak, Vishwamitra, and Kumbhakarna. He commented, “Ram’s words are very happy for me. He has been very kind. I love this earth. Ram Lalla has always been kind and will always remain so.”
The Significance of Ramleela
Ramleela, a theatrical reenactment of the life of Lord Ram, holds immense cultural and spiritual importance in Indian society. Through these performances, actors like Raza Murad not only entertain but also reinforce the values of righteousness, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil. His dedication to the craft and reverence for the roles he plays reflect a commitment to preserving cultural heritage.