New Delhi. Ramanand Sagar’s epic series Ramayana, aired on Doordarshan in 1987, had connected the whole of India with the story of Ram. In those times, the entire country used to sit with folded hands in front of the screen on Sunday morning. This legendary series changed the history of Indian television. People respected every character of the show like God. There are many such films in Hindi films, in which actors have played dubber roles or the role of twin brothers. But do you know that there was a character in Ramayana who played two characters each.
You must have heard the story of Ram-Lakshman-Sita and Ravana many times. But do you know about Shyam Sundar Kalani, who played important roles like ‘Sugriva’ and ‘Bali’? Shyam Sundar Kalani, who played the roles of Bali and Sugriva, was a big star during that period. His strong acting and impressive screen presence made him a household name. But the sad thing is that the industry almost disappeared in the last journey of the artist who was once appreciated by millions of people.
Said goodbye to the world in 2020
Shyam Sundar Kalani died due to cancer in April 2020. It is said that he was suffering from illness for a long time. The news of his death made the Ramayana audience emotional, but very few people from the entertainment world remembered him. If media reports are to be believed, only two of his co-stars attended his funeral. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were many restrictions at that time, but fans were definitely saddened that the TV industry had almost forgotten its old artist. People raised questions on social media that the artists who gave identity to Indian television, should they have ended so lonely?
Shyam Sundar Kalani played the character of both ‘Sugriva’ and ‘Bali’.
Played the character of ‘Sugriva’ and ‘Bali’
Shyam Sundar Kalani won the hearts of the audience by playing a double role in Ramayana. He had shown clear differences in the body language, voice and emotions of both the characters ‘Sugriva’ and ‘Bali’. In that era, it was not easy to play a double role without modern technology, but his performance was so strong that the audience got completely lost in the characters.
Shyam Sundar was expert in martial arts
Before Ramayana, Shyam Sundar Kalani had worked in some films. He was also adept in martial arts. After Ramayana, he also played the role of Bhima in Mahabharata. Apart from this, he played small roles in films like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Nayak, Ram Lakhan, Heer Ranjha, Trimurti and Chhaila Babu. But Ramayana on TV was his biggest achievement.
Arun Govil and Sunil Lahiri had paid tribute on social media.
Only 2 co-stars remembered
When Shyam Sundar Kalani’s funeral pyre arose, only two famous co-stars remembered him through social media. Those two actors were Ram-Lakshman i.e. Arun Govil and Sunil Lahiri. Arun Govil had tweeted and wrote, ‘Sad to know the news of the demise of Mr. Shyam Sundar, who played the role of Sugriva in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana. He was a very good person and gentleman. may his soul rest in peace.’ Sunil Lahiri wrote, ‘Very sad to hear the news of the sudden demise of our colleague Mr. Shyam Kalani, who played the roles of Sugriva and Bali in Ramayana. May his soul rest in peace and give the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss… RIP.
Bitter truth of showbiz
Apart from these two, most of his co-stars and the entire TV-film industry maintained silence. No big star, no producer or any organization came forward for Shyam Sundar. This incident exposes the bitter truth of Indian showbiz, where in times of success everyone is together, but in difficult times loneliness becomes a companion. His life is a reminder that as glittering as the world of entertainment may seem, it can also be equally cruel. As soon as the camera lights end, many artists gradually fade away from people’s memories. Fans still believe that the contribution of artists like Shyam Sundar Kalani can never be forgotten. He played characters that changed the history of Indian television forever. Even though the industry may not have remembered him that much, ‘Sugriva’ and ‘Bali’ are still alive in the hearts of the Ramayana viewers.