At 69, Delhi’s ‘stuntman’ continues Ramleela tradition of setting himself on fire
A 69-year-old stuntman named Ram Prasad Tiwari continues to perform a dangerous Ramleela tradition by setting himself on fire and jumping into a pool from 50 feet high. During the off-season, he sells clothes in Delhi markets to support his family.
Why it matters
Showcases traditional cultural performances, the resilience of aging artists, and the economic realities of seasonal performers in India.
BULANDSHAHR: At 69, Ram Prasad Tiwari, a stuntman, continues to perform a daring stunt during Ramleela events, setting himself on fire before jumping into a pool of water from a height of nearly 50 feet.Tiwari, a resident of Nand Nagri in northeast Delhi, performed the stunt at a Ramleela ground in Khurja area of Bulandshahr district.Speaking to TOI, he said he had been performing the dangerous act for nearly five decades.“I have been doing this stunt for almost 50 years,” Tiwari said, adding that he travels to different places to perform during the Ramleela season.For each day's performance, Tiwari receives Rs 8,000, which includes his travel expenses and accommodation.
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