Lucknow/Moscow: Russian artists, theatre personalities and members of the Indian diaspora gathered in Moscow to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Soviet theatre actor Genadi Mikhailovich Pechnikov, popularly remembered as “Russia’s Ram” for his portrayal of Lord Ram, while highlighting long-standing cultural ties between India and Russia.The commemoration brought together Indian and Russian performers associated with Ramlila traditions, with speakers recalling Pechnikov’s role in introducing Russian audiences to the Ramayana through theatre. Children’s theatre director Alla Leonidovna, addressing cultural gatherings organised to honour the late actor, praised UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s efforts to promote the wider appeal of Ayodhya’s Ramlila.A govt spokesperson said multiple events were organised in Moscow in recent weeks, featuring Indian and Russian Ramlila artists and presentations on the idea of Ramrajya. Russian performers shared experiences of staging productions in Ayodhya, the temple town known for its annual Ramlila and Deepotsav, and referred to changes in the city in recent years.The Ayodhya-Moscow cultural engagement has been supported by Disha Ramlila, a Russia-based initiative that has worked to popularise the Ramayan among Russian audiences. Artists linked to the group have earlier participated in Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations and performed Ramayan-based productions, contributing to people-to-people cultural links. Earlier this year, an Ayodhya-inspired Ramlila was staged in Moscow, drawing from Deepotsav motifs and featuring Russian actors in key roles.At the centenary programme, Leonidovna said Ramlila serves as a medium to communicate the ideals associated with Lord Ram. Tatyana Pechnikov, the actor’s daughter, recalled her father’s contribution to theatre-driven India-Russia engagement, saying his performances helped acquaint Russian audiences with Indian cultural traditions.
