Ashok Samarth, who played the role of Raghunandan in the film ‘695’, said that people started coming and touching his feet. The situation became such that he had to take protection, and then the crowd present there began falling at his feet. He added that he also felt a sense of negativity in Ayodhya somewhere.
Today, people from all over the world want to visit Ayodhya, the city of Lord Ram. They wish to see Ramlala and understand the place closely. However, actor Ashok Samarth had the opportunity to stay there for several days last year for the shooting of the film ‘695’, during which he experienced the birthplace of Lord Ram up close. He purchased the four Vedas and Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas from there. He also learned about the road where kar sevaks were shot. Ashok Samarth plays Raghunandan in the film ‘695’, a character inspired by Mahant Paramhans Ramchandra Das, who made significant contributions to the Ram Mandir movement. Ashok says that when he gave a speech with a microphone in the look of Ramchandra Das, people in Ayodhya mistook him for the real Mahant and fell at his feet.
Heard many stories of Paramhans ji at Digambar Akhara
If I had not played the role of Raghunandan in ‘695’, someone else would have. I felt it was important because my character is inspired by Paramhans Ramchandra Das ji, who contributed greatly to Sanatan Dharma. After reading about him, I felt that the existing system around us—whether political or social—has defined Hinduism in its own way. However, our saints and Mahants are beyond caste or personal gain. Paramhans ji fought in the Supreme Court for the Ram Mandir until the age of 82. He was one of the key figures behind its foundation. During the shoot, I heard many stories about him at the Digambar Akhara math. I felt I could not refuse this role, so I immediately agreed to it.
“Here, only prasad is offered, not tea”
Paramhans ji had a very strong ideology. He would buy entire sacks of cashews and fruits and feed them to monkeys. The Ram Mandir Rath Yatra was conceptualized by him, keeping Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura in mind. Later, leaders like L.K. Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Narendra Modi expanded it nationally. I also heard an anecdote about a senior leader visiting his akhara. Since he spoke very plainly and had no personal interests, he once told a minister that there is no tea here, only prasad. He even made him sit on the ground.
“I asked whether I should imitate or follow ideology”
I had already confirmed with the director and writer whether I needed to imitate Paramhans Ramchandra Das or simply promote the ideology of Sanatan Hindu Dharma. They told me that we are not naming him or showing aggression; we only want to present his ideas. If the ideas are true, they do not need aggression. This allowed me to portray Raghunandan in a soft manner, which was appropriate since he is a saint-like character. Otherwise, it could have distorted the image of saints.
During shooting, I delivered a dialogue on the road saying: “We neither want Jama Masjid nor Ajmer Dargah, we only want Lord Ram’s birthplace.” After that, the crowd started touching my feet. People began coming and bowing at my feet. The situation became such that I needed protection.
Brought the four Vedas and Ramcharitmanas from Ayodhya
I searched in Ayodhya for authentic copies of the four Vedas and managed to get them. Someone gave me an address, and I also brought Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas from there. I already had Valmiki’s Ramayana. I also visited Ramlala and saw the archaeological remains recovered after the structure was demolished.
I believe I brought the thoughts of Ayodhya back with me. Later, when I visited Chittorgarh, I observed historical sites there as well. Historical and mythological places carry an inner resonance, which is why people connect deeply with them.
“I also felt negativity somewhere in Ayodhya”
My image of Ayodhya was different in my mind. I had heard the Ramayana in childhood, watched Arun Govil’s Ramayan series, and also studied it in college. On the cover page of Valmiki Ramayana, there used to be an image of Ayodhya, which shaped my imagination.
When I reached Ayodhya for shooting, I first paid respects to the Saryu River. The real Ayodhya was very different from the image in my mind. There is a huge difference between ancient descriptions and today’s city. Somewhere, I also felt negativity there. When I asked a Mahant about it, he said that wherever saints have been sacrificed for centuries and kar sevaks have been shot, negativity is bound to remain. He took me to the lane where kar sevaks were shot, and I even recorded a video there. After leaving that place, I felt a strange inner conflict.
“Struggle begins after self-realization”
Today, people are just running to pay their EMIs. I too once felt that all suffering in the world was given only to me. But later, we struggle and grow. At a young age, our thoughts are not mature. However, after achieving something and seeing the world closely, we realize everyone goes through this.
I once left my village with just 90 rupees in change to become an actor. Today I have an office and house in places like Panchgani (Maharashtra). Looking back, I had no proper place to sleep, and now I have multiple homes. Earlier I used to blame my ancestors for not leaving anything behind, but that thinking fades with maturity.
This happens when you understand yourself. It is a responsibility to know what you can do. You should do only what you are capable of, and results will come in their own time. When this clarity comes, your real spiritual effort begins.
Source: Navbharattimes
