Childhood dream could not come true: Nawazuddin on Ramlila controversy

Muzaffarnagar: Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s return to the stage in his hometown Budhana for the Ramlila programme ended in a fiasco after the show was cancelled at last minute due to opposition by Shiv Sena activists.

The actor, who has been in his hometown for a week now, was invited by the artistes to attend the Ramlila, but Nawazuddin instead offered to do a small role, and was all set to perform the role of Ravan’s uncle Mareech.

However, Shiv Sena activists objected, saying a Muslim actor cannot be part of the Ramlila show and the organisers decided to cancel the performance subsequently fearing a law and order situation.

The protests were in the wake of a complaint filed against the actor by his sister-in-law alleging dowry harassment. Wife of Nawazuddin’s brother, Afreen, who is 3 months pregnant, alleged that she was told to get out of the house on September 28 and was also kicked in the stomach by Nawazuddin when she refused to give in.

"We could not have allowed Nawazuddin Siddiqui to perform in the Ramlila due to many reasons. Firstly, there is a complaint at the police station against him and his younger brother by his sister-in-law for dowry. We cannot let anyone who has such charges against him perform as a character in the Ramlila. Also, he is a Muslim and till date no Muslim has played any role in the Ramlila in Budhana," Mukesh Sharma, Muzaffarnagar's Shiv Sena chief, was quoted as saying in a report.

Damodar Sharma, president, Shri Ramlila Committee Pradarshan (Budhana), said, "For the last 50 years, no Muslim has been given any of the lead roles in the Ramlila here. And Maaricha's role doesn't qualify as one of those. Muslims have performed as background dancers, just like this year. So I don't understand what the problem of the Shiv Sena members really is. When the district administration told us to cancel his role to ensure law and order, we agreed to it."

The Ramlila cast, however, are not too happy with the protest. Rajesh Sharma, the director of the play, said that Muslims have been part of Ramlila since several years as background dancers, sound artistes, set designers, musicians, and other roles, though they might not have played the lead roles. A substantial portion of the donations for the event also comes from the community.

Nawazuddin had even rehearsed for his performance. After he was forced to pull out of the event, the actor tweeted a rehearsal video, saying his childhood dream could not come true.

About the incident, Nawazuddin told a news channel, "There were some technical issues. I got the order that I should not do it as it was important to maintain peace in the village."