My earliest memory of this epic story is the television series that was playing in Doordarshan during my school days. I had duly watched the series like the million others in India. But the story somehow did not stick with me nor did it excite me in any way when I saw it on TV. I am sure it was because of the indolent looking actors and fragile props in the serial. I had grown to think of 'Ramayana' as a religious book, one that never appealed to me.
During my recent trip to India (second one this year :)! ), I read 'The Ramayana' by R.K. Narayan. It is a small, crisp version of the epic as written by Kambar. For the first time I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was awed and inspired by the whole plot.
The language that Narayan uses is very simple but it captures the imposing grandiose of the saga. I am astounded that Valmiki wrote his version almost 2400 years ago, which is believed to be the earliest version. The idealized image of Rama described by Valmiki was later presented as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu by the later versions. 'Ramayana' is made up to be a very sacred and religious story, but it appeals to me as a great fantasy adventure, romantic thriller that encompasses melodrama and the civics of monarchy.
I never watched Ramayanam on TV or read it but the story and the nuances stuck to me through dance and music. So I view it in a totally different angle which is more visual and rhythmic . But my view does gravitate towards romantic thriller with lots of drama set in the by-gone years like yours. I need to pick up the R.K Narayan version sometime.
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It feels good to be back! I am sure music and dance is a great way to enjoy the story as well. I just wish the story is presented in a more secular form to be enjoyed by everyone.
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