Emmy-nominated filmmaker, actor, and Happy Life Yoga speaker Tirlok Malik is set to bring his artistry and passion to the stage this Diwali season, once again portraying 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 portrayed Bharat for many years under the direction of Pandit S.N. Charkha, founder of the East-West School of Dance and disciple of Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj. His performances include seven consecutive years at the Museum of Metropolitan Art’s annual Diwali events in New York, performing before full houses. Malik shares, “Pandit Charkha ji has devoted his life to dance and the arts. Being under his guidance is a true blessing. When I play Bharat, especially during Lord Rama’s coronation, I feel fully immersed, almost in a trance.”
For Malik, Bharat—the devoted brother of Lord Rama from the Ramayana—embodies ideals of love, respect, devotion, and sacrifice. “Portraying Bharat is more than acting; it is stepping into timeless values that resonate today,” he explains.
The AIA Diwali Festival, now celebrating its 38th year, is the oldest and most renowned celebration of its kind in the United States. Led this year by President Bina Kothari and National President Gobind Munjal, the festival at Overlook Beach features fireworks, music, and a grand dance drama directed by Pandit Charkha with Malik as Bharat.
The celebrations continue with the Times Square Diwali Festival, marking its 10th year. Created and led by Neeta Bhasin, the festival has brought Diwali to a global audience in the heart of New York City. Malik notes, “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 are more than entertainment—they are a way to share the enduring lessons of the Ramayana with audiences in America. “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.”
