New Delhi: Kangana Ranaut is set to perform the symbolic Ravan Dahan during the Dussehra celebrations at Lav Kush Ramleela in the national capital.
For the first time in the 50-year history of the annual event at the Red Fort, a woman will ignite the effigy of the demon king by shooting an arrow, said Arjun Singh, the president of the Lav Kush Ramleela Committee of Delhi.
Singh said that the committee decided to make this move as a gesture in support of the Women’s Reservation Bill recently passed by the Parliament.
“Whether it’s a film star or a politician, we’ve had VIPs grace our event every year. Former President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have honored us in the past. Film stars like Ajay Devgn and John Abraham have been part of this event. Last year, Prabhas performed the Ravan Dahan. This year, breaking a 50-year tradition, a woman will be the one to set the effigy of Ravan ablaze,” he said.
“The Lav Kush Ramleela Committee advocates for equal rights for women. While women’s participation is on the rise across various fields, there’s still a considerable distance to cover. The recently passed Women’s Reservation Bill is seen as a step toward the progress of the country and society. To truly achieve equality, we must eliminate narrow-mindedness,” he said.
“Now, a woman has the opportunity to fire the effigy of Ravan, symbolically putting an end to evil. It’s crucial to grant women this right as well. That’s why we selected Kangana ji for this role,” added Singh.
Ranaut is currently promoting her upcoming film “Tejas,” scheduled for release on Friday. The movie, written and directed by Sarvesh Mewara, showcases her portraying the character of an Indian Air Force pilot.