Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik will portray Bharat at two major Diwali celebrations in New York, showcasing the timeless values of the Ramayana.
Emmy-nominated filmmaker, actor, and Happy Life Yoga speaker Tirlok Malik is set to captivate audiences this Diwali season by once again embodying Bharat in two of New York’s premier celebrations: the AIA Diwali Festival at Overlook Beach, Long Island, and the Times Square Diwali Festival.
Malik has a long-standing tradition of portraying Bharat under the mentorship of Pandit S.N. Charkha, the founder of the East-West School of Dance and a disciple of the esteemed Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj. His impressive track record includes seven consecutive years performing at the Museum of Metropolitan Art’s annual Diwali events in New York, where he has consistently drawn full houses. “Pandit Charkha ji has devoted his life to dance and the arts. Being under his guidance is a true blessing,” Malik reflects. “When I play Bharat, especially during Lord Rama’s coronation, I feel fully immersed, almost in a trance.”
For Malik, the character of Bharat—the devoted brother of Lord Rama from the epic Ramayana—represents ideals of love, respect, devotion, and sacrifice. “Portraying Bharat is more than acting; it is stepping into timeless values that resonate today,” he explains, emphasizing the depth of his connection to the role.
The AIA Diwali Festival, now in its 38th year, is the oldest and most renowned celebration of its kind in the United States. This year, the festival is led by President Bina Kothari and National President Gobind Munjal. The event at Overlook Beach will feature fireworks, music, and a grand dance drama directed by Pandit Charkha, with Malik taking center stage as Bharat.
The festivities continue with the Times Square Diwali Festival, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Created and led by Neeta Bhasin, this festival has successfully brought the spirit of Diwali to a global audience in the heart of New York City. Malik acknowledges Bhasin’s remarkable achievement, stating, “Neeta Bhasin ji has accomplished something extraordinary, making Diwali a part of the world’s most iconic square. Performing the Ramayana in Times Square is historic and sends a powerful message about the universal relevance of our traditions.”
For Malik, these performances transcend mere entertainment; they serve as a medium for sharing the enduring lessons of the Ramayana with American audiences. “In today’s world, the values depicted in the Ramayana are needed more than ever. By bringing these stories to New York, we celebrate Diwali while reminding ourselves and future generations of values that uphold humanity,” he asserts.
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