Ramayana gets a spin

Choreographer-director Remo D’Souza to shoot the saga as a five-part musical for a new TV special

Audiences have watched the Ramayana several times, in several forms. But this festive season, choreographer-director Remo D’Souza is giving a completely new spin to the epic saga — as a TV musical titled Ram Leela, with a mix of dance, drama, music and modern technology.

Choreographer-Remo-D-souza

Speaking about his dream project that will be created on a massive scale, Remo reveals, “I’m very excited. This is very different from what I’ve done so far in films and on TV. Till now, I’ve been known for my hip-hop dances. Ram Leela gives me a chance to showcase my talent in traditional, classic and folk dance.” Remo’s contemporaries Farah Khan and Vaibhavi Merchant have choreographed Broadway musicals abroad. Now, Remo’s glad he’s getting to do the same for the small screen in India.

“It’s my turn now,” says the choreographer, explaining that while the project will be a challenge, he’s well versed with the epic, which will help make the process easier.

Elaborating on what we can look forward to on the show, Remo says, “We will have Bollywood-style dances, among various other forms. People have seen several versions of the Ramayana, but this depiction is different. And as it is only five episodes long, the audience will enjoy the novel presentation. Our rehearsals are already on, with over 20 cast members.”