Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan as King Janak for Ramleela. (Photo| PTI) 
India

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan dons new hat, plays 'Janak' in Ramleela

The minister was almost unrecognisable with an imperial moustache, make-up and royal attire.

From our online archive

NEW DELHI: Donning traditional silk costumes, a gleaming crown and speaking chaste Hindi, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan Friday assumed a different role -- legendary king Janak of Mithila -- at a Ramlila event, and made sure he conveyed the message on importance of clean environment.

The Environment Minister tried his hand in acting at the popular Ramleela depicting the life of Lord Rama organised by the Luv Kush committee in the sprawling grounds of the Red Fort.

The minister was almost unrecognisable with an imperial moustache, make-up and royal attire.

As he delivered his dialogues on the mega stage, Harsh Vardhan slipped in the message about clean environment In a conversation with Lord Rama, his character said, "I know you wish to live in a natural environment".

And, if air remains clean and pure, it will lead to a healthy life, he said. Before, the start of the programme, the minister also tweeted that he was going to play the role of King Janak, father of Sita.

Bhojpuri actor-turned-politician and Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari has also performed in previous Ramlila here, among others.

Rubio seeks bigger market for US energy and defence systems, pitches Venezuelan oil to India

CJP leaders move Delhi High Court challenging rejection of sureties and extension of custody

PM Modi urges unity against ‘enemies of the country’ at Delhi Dussehra event

Uddhav Thackeray challenges CM Fadnavis to bring Lawrence Bishnoi to Mumbai over Tiger Shroff firing

Tiger Shroff wasn’t original target, shooters wanted to target another Bollywood star: Crime Branch