For an actor, a character can become much more than a role to be performed on stage. Years of rehearsals, memorising dialogues and bringing a character to life can create a deep personal connection with the story. But what happens when an actor who has spent nearly 14 years performing in a religious-cultural production is no longer welcomed because of his faith?
For 39-year-old Abid Shaikh, a science graduate from Vadodara, this question has become a painful reality. After playing characters from the Ramayana in the city’s Ram Leela for nearly 14 years, Shaikh was not invited to return to the production this year following objections to his Muslim identity by right-wing activists.
Yet, the same actor found himself on stage during Dussehra in Chhota Udepur, where his performances as Kevat and Meghnad drew applause from the audience. While he was welcomed in one place for his acting, his long association with the Ram Leela in his own city came to an end.
A childhood fascination that became a lifelong passion
Shaikh’s association with the Ramayana began in childhood. Fascinated by the epic, he developed a particular interest in playing Laxman after watching an animated version of the story. His first opportunity to act in a Ram Leela came through a school performance, marking the beginning of a connection that would continue for years.
Over time, performing in the Ram Leela became an important part of his life. Associated with the North India Cultural Association (NICA), which organises the annual production at Polo Ground in Vadodara, Shaikh played several characters, including Laxman and Bharat.
His involvement extended well beyond appearing on stage. He learnt his dialogues, spent weeks rehearsing and worked to bring the characters to life before audiences. Over the years, he earned their appreciation and affection.
His interest in the Ramayana also extended beyond acting. Shaikh is an ardent admirer of the epic and chants the Hanuman Chalisa. His family’s support reflected how deeply the tradition had become woven into their lives. During the rehearsal period, his family even gave up non-vegetarian food until the festival concluded.
Objections over his religion changed everything
The situation took a turn last year when some right-wing activists arrived during rehearsals and objected to Shaikh’s participation because he was Muslim. According to Shaikh, the objections came as a shock, as he had never expected his religious identity to become an issue after so many years with the production.
The activists reportedly pressured the organisers to remove him from the cast, putting the association in a difficult position.
Shashikant Das, NICA’s director, described Shaikh as a good actor and an ardent admirer of the Ramayana. Das said he had argued in Shaikh’s defence when Bajrang Dal activists protested against his participation last year. However, the management continued to face pressure, and Shaikh was not invited to perform in this year’s production.
For Shaikh, the decision meant losing more than an acting opportunity. It meant being separated from a tradition that had shaped a significant part of his life since childhood.
He expressed the hurt of no longer being wanted near a stage to which he had devoted nearly 14 years.
Das, too, expressed sadness at losing a talented performer from the production, acknowledging Shaikh’s abilities and longstanding association with the Ram Leela.
Applause in Chhota Udepur, exclusion in Vadodara
Shaikh’s experience during this year’s Dussehra offered a striking contrast. Although he could not return to the Vadodara production, he performed in a Ram Leela in the tribal district of Chhota Udepur.
There, he portrayed Kevat and Meghnad, earning applause from spectators. His performances demonstrated that his association with the Ramayana and his ability to portray its characters had continued, even as his place in the Vadodara production was taken away.
The contrast raises questions about how religious identity can influence opportunities within cultural traditions that performers have served for years. In Shaikh’s case, the objection was not described as arising from his preparation or acting ability, but from the fact that he belonged to a different faith.
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