Ranbir Kapoor Takes on the Divine Role of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's Epic 'Ramayana'
The highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the Hindu epic, 'Ramayana', directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has cast Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor in the pivotal role of Lord Ram. The production team recently unveiled the first look teaser on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, generating significant buzz across social media platforms.
Mixed Reactions to the Teaser and Ranbir's Personal Connection
While the initial teaser received a mixed response from audiences, netizens have overwhelmingly praised Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram. The teaser was first launched in Los Angeles, and viral clips from the event show Ranbir opening up about the profound experience of playing this sacred character.
During a conversation with Associated Press, Ranbir shared how his role intersects with his personal life as a father. "I'm extremely blessed to have this opportunity to be part of this film," he expressed. "It coincides with my becoming a father. My daughter is three and a half years old. On one side, I'm playing Lord Ram, and on the other side, I'm going home and telling her stories about 'Ramayana'. To see a three-and-a-half-year-old be so curious and ask me, 'Did you shoot with Hanuman today? Did you shoot with Sita today?' shows that this is part of our DNA, our conscience. It's really part of our subconscious, and the love for it comes naturally."
From Initial Hesitation to Profound Gratitude
At a special IMAX teaser screening in New York, Ranbir revealed that he initially declined the role when producer Namit Malhotra approached him four years ago. "Coming to play Lord Ram, I remember when Namit offered me this part around four years back. My instant reaction was: 'I am not fit enough, good enough.' I felt I wouldn't be able to do full justice," he confessed.
However, that initial fear quickly transformed into deep gratitude. Ranbir elaborated, "But that fear quickly turned into gratitude because opportunities like this were something I truly needed in my life. There was a period when I needed to change my lifestyle. I had just become a father for the first time. The sweet coincidence of playing Lord Ram and becoming a father became a turning point in my life."
Family Life and Global Aspirations
Ranbir Kapoor and his wife, actress Alia Bhatt, welcomed their daughter Raha in November 2022. This personal milestone has deeply influenced his approach to the monumental role. The actor emphasized his desire for the film to resonate beyond borders, stating, "We really want that to reach a global audience," highlighting the universal appeal of the timeless epic.
The 'Ramayana' project represents a significant moment in Indian cinema, blending mythological storytelling with contemporary filmmaking under Nitesh Tiwari's direction. As production continues, audiences eagerly await further glimpses into this ambitious interpretation of one of the world's oldest and most revered narratives.
