Agra , UTTAR PRADESH :

Agra :

Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui may have backed out of his Ramlila  act in riot-affected and divided Muzaffarnagar , but in adjoining Agra, Nizamuddin continues to rock the Ramlila stage.

He’s been doing key roles for over last five years and is Janak, the father of Sita, this time, no less. It wasn’t always that easy for Nizamuddin though.

During his early years in the Ramlila theater, he too faced protests and opposition like the way Nawazuddin did. But he stood his ground. In fact, another Muslim will do the part of Bharat along with him this year.

The 55-year-old Nizamuddin, who is the track man at Agra cantt station in north central railway zone, never had any acting classes but landed up for top notch role in 46th edition of Ramlila theater on dussehra.

Speaking to TOI, Nizamuddin said, “Back in 2010 when I gave my first audition for Ramlila play organized by railway, I was offered roles of Shantanu (father of Shravan) and Rishi Atari (mentor of Sabri). But soon, scores of people from my own community raised questioned on my faith in Islam. I was almost ousted.”

“But as an artist I never changed my stance. There is no sin if a Muslim man acts in Hindu play. Ramlila talks about peace and triumph over evil. Getting a role in Ramlila is a matter of pride for me,” he said.

Expressing his dissent on Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui backing out from play after opposition from right wing members, Nizamuddin said, “Nawazuddin is an artist, he should have continued with his act instead of giving up against bullies. I’m sure, the local residents and administration would had supported him if he would have stood up.”

Talking to TOI, director of Ramlila theater, Manoj Singh, who has been playing role of Ravan since 1998, said, “It is amazing to see the zeal of men like Nizamuddin, who outsmart other contestant for the roles. This is blunt and appropriate reply to those people, who want to create enmity and disturbance among different communities.”

“This year we had only two Muslim artists who have notched the top roles, while for the first time a woman has joined the play to act as Sita,” added Singh.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City News> Agra / by Arvind Chauhan / TNN / October 08th, 2016