From Sacred Scripture to Small Screen Sensation: Tracing Ramayan’s Remarkable Voyage

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The Timeless Tale of Lord Ram

Shrimad Ramayan is no ordinary story. At its heart lies the extraordinary life of Lord Ram, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. Born into royalty in Ayodhya, Ram’s journey is one marked by duty, sacrifice, love, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Consider these key plot points:

• Ram’s exile to the forest for 14 years, accompanied by his devoted wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshman

• Sita’s abduction by the demon king Ravana leads to an epic battle.

• The construction of the legendary Ram Setu Bridge to Lanka

• Ram’s victory over Ravana and the rescue of Sita

• The couple’s joyous return to Ayodhya and Ram’s coronation as king

These pivotal moments form the backbone of the Shrimad Ramayan narrative, captivating audiences across generations.

Bringing the Epic to Life: The Making of the Ramayan Series

Translating a revered text like the Shrimad Ramayan to the television screen was no small feat. The task fell to acclaimed director Ramanand Sagar, who took on the challenge with meticulous attention to detail.

Some fascinating behind-the-scenes facts:

• The series was shot in Umbergaon, where massive sets recreating ancient India were constructed.

• Over 100 actors were auditioned for the role of Lord Ram before Arun Govil was selected.

• Actress Deepika Chikhalia, who portrayed Sita, was chosen from over 400 candidates.

• The iconic costumes were designed by Bhanu Athaiya, India’s first Oscar winner for Best Costume Design.

• Each episode took about 7-10 days to shoot, with the entire series spanning 2 years of production.

The dedication of the cast and crew shines through in every frame of the Shrimad Ramayan series. Their commitment to authenticity and respect for the source material set a new standard for mythological adaptations on Indian television.

A Nation Captivated: Ramayan’s Cultural Impact

When Shrimad Ramayan first aired on Doordarshan in 1987, it took the nation by storm. Streets would empty during broadcast times, with millions of Indians gathering around their television sets to witness the saga unfold. The show’s popularity was unprecedented:

• It garnered a viewership of over 650 million, a world record at the time.

• The final episode reportedly drew 100 million viewers, the highest for any Indian television program.

• Actors portraying the characters were worshipped as real-life deities by fans.

• The series boosted Doordarshan’s revenue by ₹40 crore through advertising.

• It was later dubbed in multiple languages and aired in over 55 countries

The Shrimad Ramayan series had transcended entertainment to become a cultural phenomenon. Its impact on Indian society was profound and enduring.

The Legacy Lives On: Ramayan’s Enduring Appeal

Decades after its initial broadcast, the allure of Shrimad Ramayan remains undiminished. In 2020, amidst a nationwide lockdown, Doordarshan decided to re-telecast the series. The response was staggering:

• The re-telecast garnered 170 million viewers in just 4 shows.

• Viewership was 40 times higher than the Hindi General Entertainment Channel (GEC) programs airing in the same time slot.

• It became the most-watched Hindi program since 2015

• The series trended on social media, with a new generation discovering its magic.

The enduring popularity of the Shrimad Ramayan show is a testament to its timeless themes, masterful storytelling, and the eternal appeal of Lord Ram’s extraordinary journey.

Ramayan: The Journey By Numbers

An Epic for the Ages

Shrimad Ramayan’s voyage from sacred text to television landmark is a story of cultural pride, creative vision, and the power of timeless narratives. As the series continues to enthral viewers old and new, one thing is clear: the legacy of this epic tale is destined to endure for generations to come.

For those eager to embark on this extraordinary journey from the comfort of their homes, Airtel Broadband offers high-speed internet connectivity, ensuring an uninterrupted and immersive viewing experience. With its reliable network and seamless streaming capabilities, Airtel Broadband is the perfect companion for your Shrimad Ramayan odyssey.

FAQs:

1. What is the source of Shrimad Ramayan?
   The Ramayan was originally written in Sanskrit by the sage Valmiki.

    

2. Who played the lead roles in the Shrimad Ramayan TV series?
   Arun Govil portrayed Lord Ram, while Deepika Chikhalia played Sita.

    

3. When was the Ramayan series first aired on television?
   The series premiered on Doordarshan in 1987, capturing the nation’s attention.

    

4. Why is Shrimad Ramayan considered a significant part of Indian culture?
   The epic tale embodies virtues, morals, and traditions central to Indian society.

    

5. How did the re-telecast of Ramayan perform in terms of viewership?
   The 2020 re-telecast drew 170 million viewers, becoming a massive hit again.