Lav Kush, released on 25 July,1997 was a Hindi mythological drama film directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao and produced by Dilip Kanikaria under the Devyank Arts banner.
The movie was based on the Uttar Ramayan (the final chapter) of the epic Hindu text, Ramayana. The film featured an ensemble cast composed of major Bollywood veterans and icons from classic mythological television: Jeetendra as Shri Ram, Jaya Prada as Devi Maa Sita/Lokpavni (this marked the third time she portrayed Goddess Sita on screen), Arun Govil as Lakshman (famously known for playing Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series), Dara Singh as Hanuman, Pran as Maharishi Valmiki, Master Adil as Luv, Baby Shrestha as Kush, Jayshree Gadkar as Kaushalya (this was her final Hindi film appearance).
Lav Kush featured a dazzling music score by Ramlaxman with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle singing together in as many as six songs.
The film was a massive box office disaster.
This writer spoke to Arun Govil about the film. “That’s right! I played Laxman to Jeetendraji’s Rama Bhagwan. After playing Rama for so many years, I was reluctant to take on Laxman’s role. But the producer insisted. So I reluctantly agreed. The result was catastrophic. Audiences would not accept me in any other role except Rama.”
When contacted, Jeetendra, who played Rama, said, “I got the rare and valuable opportunity to play Rama Bhagwan. I was scared when I got the offer. But the director, V. Madhusudhana Rao, insisted. I eventually accepted the challenge. For a year I didn’t touch alcohol or meat. I tried to live the life of a Bhagwan. Even today I remember it as a cleansing, purifying experience.”
Jeetuji regrets Lav Kush didn’t do well. “I think it was a well-made film with lavish sets and wonderful songs by Raamlaxman. I think the audience didn’t accept me as Rama after seeing Arun Govil play the part for so long.”
Jaya Prada is proud to have played Sita. “Not every actress gets the opportunity to play Sita Maiyya. I got the opportunity thrice: twice in Telugu, first in Seetha Kalyanam in 1976, then twice the very next year, once in Telugu in Sita Ram Vanvasamu and then in Hindi in Lav Kush. How did it feel? Very cleansing, very edifying. I remember I would stay in character even when I wasn’t on the set. Playing Rama or Sita is not only about acting. It is about feeling the divinity within you, touching it and embracing it.”
