2024-02-19 17:27:42
Today people from all over the world want to come to Ram’s city Ayodhya. Want to know it closely along with the darshan of Ramlala, but actor Ashok Samarth had the privilege of staying here for several days for the shooting of the film ‘695’ last year. He got to know his birthplace closely. Bought all four Vedas and Tulsidas’s Ramcharit Manas from here. Also, know which road was it where bullets were fired at the kar sevaks. Actually, Ashok Samarth has played the character of Raghunandan in the film ‘695’, which is basically inspired by Mahant Paramahamsa Ramchandra Das. Ramchandra Das has made important contribution to the Ram temple. Ashok tells that when I gave a speech with a mike in Ramchandraji’s getup, the people of Ayodhya started falling at my feet considering me to be a real Mahant.
Heard many stories of Paramhansaji in Digambar Akhara
If I had not done the role of Raghunandan in the film ‘695’ then someone else would have done it. I thought it necessary because my character was inspired by Paramhans Ramchandra Dasji and he has made a big contribution towards Sanatan Dharma. After reading about him, I realized that the system around us, be it political or social, has interpreted Hindutva as per its own wish. However, our saints and sages do not have any caste or advantage. Paramahansaji fought for Ram temple in the Supreme Court till the age of 82. He was the fundamental factor in laying the foundation of Ram temple. I have heard many of his stories while sitting in the Digambar Akhara Math during the shooting. I felt that there was no possibility of saying no to this character. I found this challenging so I immediately said yes.
No tea, only prasad available here
Paramhans ji had very strong ideology. He used to buy whole sacks of cashew nuts and fruits and then feed them to the monkeys. The blueprint for the Rath Yatra for the Ram temple was made by Paramahansaji keeping in mind from Ayodhya to Kashi and Mathura. Later it was given a nationwide form by Advaniji, Atalji and Modi ji. I have heard the story of a veteran leader coming to his Akhara. In fact, he spoke very flatly because he had no personal interest in anyone. Once a big minister had gone to his Akhara. He had asked that if Paramhansji had come to the Akhara, would some tea etc. be served or not. On this, Paramhansaji, sitting on the ground, said that here only Prasad is available, not tea and he made him sit on the ground.
Had asked whether to copy or capture the ideology
I had already confirmed with the director and writer whether I wanted to imitate Paramhans Ramchandra Das or promote the ideology of Sanatan Hindu Dharma. Then he told that we are not taking his name, nor do we want his aggression. We just have to attack the thoughts. There is no need for aggression for this because the thoughts which are true do not need it. Then I got a chance to live the character of Raghunandan softly. He was right also because the saint is saying his point. If we had brought aggression in between then the image of our saints could have been created in a wrong way. As soon as these things happened, everything became clear. I was afraid because my getup, the sandalwood tilak on my forehead or other things, all were like Paramhans Ramchandra Das ji. Everyone in Ayodhya knew that such and such character was being played. It was tricky for me because as I wore his getup, the people of Ayodhya began to realize that I had become him. My personality is the same, there is aggression but I used to be gentle. During the shooting, I spoke a dialogue on the road – Neither do we want Jama Masjid, nor do we want the Dargah of Ajmer, we are only asking for the birthplace of Shri Ram. Then the crowd that was there started falling at my feet. People started coming and touching my feet. The situation became such that I had to seek protection. Some characters leave us. Raghunandan has created a deep resonance in my mind.
Brought four Vedas and Ramcharit Manas from Ayodhya
I had found out in Ayodhya where the true four Vedas could be found and I found them. When someone gave me the address, I also brought Tulsidasji’s Ramcharit Manas from there. Valmiki ji’s Ramayana was already there. Had darshan of Ramlala as an experience. Saw the remains which were found by the Archeology Department after the demolition of the structure. I believe that when I went to Ayodhya, I brought the ideas there with me. Recently when I went to Chittorgarh, I saw historical things there. The resonance and inner feeling of historical and mythological places is alive, that is why people start connecting with them.
‘Somewhere I also felt negativity there’
The image of Ayodhya was something else in my mind. I had heard Ramayana from Panditji in my childhood. Later, I watched Arun Govil sir’s Ramayana in serial form. Then she studied literature in college. There used to be a picture of Ayodhya on the cover page of Valmiki Ramayana. That was the only image that stuck in my mind. The first thing I did when I reached Ayodhya for shooting was to greet Saryu. It was completely different from the image of Ayodhya that I had in my mind. Anyway, that is a matter of Purana. There is a world of difference between its front page and today’s Ayodhya. However, somewhere I also felt negativity there. Then I asked Mahantji about this. He told that where saints have been sacrificed for centuries and in the end many kar sevaks were fired upon, there will be negativity. He held my hand and took me to the street where bullets were fired at the kar sevaks. I had also made a video of that street. After leaving from there, a strange conflict started in my mind. A question came to my mind that this land is ours, the birthplace of Lord Ram is ours, he was born here. Meaning, Lord Ram had to endure 14 years of exile. After that, he had to wait for more than 500 years to return to his place of birth. Then I felt bad, what is this?
Penance begins after recognizing oneself
Today people are running just to pay their EMIs. In the beginning I was also in pain. I used to wonder why in the world God had put all the troubles on me. Then we suffer, fight with life. At that age our thoughts are not mature. However, after achieving some success or observing the world closely, we realize that this is the case with everyone. These thoughts give comfort but it should not happen. If there are no obstacles and problems, then how will we be introduced to new experiences? I ran away from the village to become an actor with 90 rupees worth of cash. Today I have my office and house in an area like Panchgani (Maharashtra). Looking back, I feel like I didn’t have a home to sleep in. Today there are four houses each. Meaning, I used to curse at that time that my father and grandfather did not do anything, but with maturity these things ended. This can happen only when you recognize yourself. This is a big responsibility, what can I do, what do I know. I do only what I know, whether I get results today, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, but apart from that I cannot do anything. When this becomes clear then your penance begins.