Her story

Manpriya Singh

Ramayana has always been about Ram. And Sita. And Lakshman. And Hanuman. Among all the things that it has been, what it’s never been is the story from Sita’s perspective; who herself has often been just the epitome of spousal and feminine virtues. In the often quoted rhetoric on women empowerment, how about a look at the mythological saga from Sita’s outlook? Star Plus’ upcoming mythological series Siya Ke Ram is a look at the epic, as seen from the eyes of Sita. “Ramayana has always and understandably been about Ram. This is a fresh take on the ancient literature and focuses on Sita. We tell the story from her birth, her growing up years, her struggles,” shares Madirakshi, getting to play Sita in her television debut. “So every event has been dealt with from her perspective. It was her decision to go and join Ram in exile. She has always been shown to be ideal but it has never been explored or at least depicted as to why and how she became ideal.”

Blessed one

Amidst recent reports about the team, scheduled to be Sri Lanka bound to shoot the exterior portions of the kingdom of Ravan, she is only too glad to be associated with big banner and prime time. As someone from the entertainment industry getting stuck with ‘holier than thou image’ was never a thought. “It’s a role that I couldn’t say no to. You just don’t.” She adds, “Moreover, my parents are so happy. They think I am truly blessed to have been offered such a role. They can’t even wait to see me onscreen.”

This even though, “there was never an intention, but I have always picked up traditional roles,” shares the girl from Bhopal, having done a Telugu film.

That the umpteen remakes of the original Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana will only ensure the inevitable comparisons with all the former onscreen Sitas is not even a factor. “This one is completely different. It’s her story and she is not a part of the story.” As for getting into the character, she says, “I read two books on Sita, watched DVD of Ramayana, among other things.”

Too good to be relevant?

She’s been ever idolized, quoted for virtues of sacrifice, courage, commitment and purity. The ever sung story of the exile, abduction by Ravana, trial by fire, and the testimony of purity. But how often does respectability translate into relevance in today’s times? Sita, she avers, “continues to inspire and be relevant even in today’s times. Today’s women can learn just as much from her because she was a strong and independent woman. She was responsible which girls even today continue to be.” She adds, “We’ve kept the dresses as light as possible so that people can connect.”

To go on air from late November

manpriya@tribunemail.com