Star-Studded Ram Mandir Inauguration, But Sunil Lahri's Absence Sparks Controversy

The much-anticipated grand inauguration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has gripped the nation with fervor and excitement. As the auspicious Pran Pratishtha ceremony dedicated to Lord Rama unfolds, the guest list includes a plethora of distinguished personalities from both Bollywood and the television industry. However, the absence of Sunil Lahri, renowned for his portrayal of Lakshman in the iconic 'Ramayan' show, has sparked a ripple of disappointment and displeasure. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Lahri shared his sentiments on the matter.

The guest list boasts luminaries such as Arun Govil, acclaimed for his portrayal of Lord Rama in the 'Ramayan' series, and Deepika Chikhlia, who essayed the role of Sita Mata. Their presence adds a touch of nostalgia to the event, invoking fond memories of the widely watched epic that captured the hearts of millions across the country.

Regrettably, Sunil Lahri did not receive an invitation for participation in this momentous occasion, leading to a candid expression of his feelings. In an interview, Lahri acknowledged, "It's not obligatory to receive an invitation on every occasion. If I were to be invited, I would certainly attend." His graceful acceptance of the situation reflects a humility befitting his portrayal of Lakshman, the loyal brother of Lord Rama.

Lahri, however, couldn't help but ponder whether there was something about him that the organizers did not appreciate. He mused, "I wonder if there's something about me they don't appreciate." Moreover, Lahri expressed surprise at the omission of the creators of 'Ramayan,' including Prem Sagar, from the guest list. This revelation led him to speculate on the perceived significance of the character of Lakshman or if there were personal considerations influencing the decision.

Addressing the decision-making process, Lahri acknowledged the autonomy of the private committee responsible for the guest list. "The committee has the autonomy to make private decisions regarding whom to invite and whom to omit," he remarked. Lahri shared insights into the scale of the event, revealing that 7000 guests and 3000 VIPs had been invited. He suggested that, given the event's affiliation with the 'Ramayan' show, invitations to the main actors and producers would have been fitting.

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