Ranbir Kapoor Initially Rejected Ramayana, Thought He 'Won't Be Able To Do Full Justice' To Lord Ram

As excitement builds for Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana, the actor has now revealed that he had initially rejected the film. However, it was becoming a father to Raha Kapoor that helped him finally take this step. He revealed this at the teaser launch of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, at a special screening in Los Angeles.

Ranbir Kapoor said, “I remember when Namit offered me this part around 4 years ago, my instant reaction was ‘No’, I’m not fit enough, not good enough, and I won’t be able to do full justice.” However, his fear changed once he became a father to Raha and realised that he needed to change his lifestyle.

Ranbir shared, “That fear very quickly turned into gratitude because opportunities like this were needed

very much in my life. I was in a period in my life where I needed to change my life and lifestyle. I became a father for the first time. I think the sweet coincidence of playing Lord Rama and becoming a father was needed for a turning point in my life.”

Reflecting on how he prepared for the role, Ranbir said, “I think, for me, the preparation started the day I saw Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana. It is so etched in our consciousness and so deeply rooted in us that we are so proud of the story and Lord Rama’s journey.”

“When I had the opportunity to essay him, of course, there is a lot of preparation, not just physical, it’s emotional and spiritual. It’s about understanding it and being very truthful. I have a lot of love and respect for this part and the story of Ramayana, so when you have that inbuilt, everything falls into place,” he shared.

While Ranbir Kapoor’s first look as Rama is all set to be unveiled on April 2, a teaser of the film was played at a special screening in LA. Ranbir was seen thanking his fans during the event.

“Thanks for coming here. This is really a very special moment for me to come with our labour of love and to show it to you all. You guys are actually the absolute first people to ever see this, and we couldn’t be happier,” he said.

He added, “Lord Ram has been the conscience keeper of billions of people around the globe for centuries. He enlightens us about the triumph of the human spirit. He stands for compassion, for courage, for righteousness and forgiveness, and is called Maryada Purushottam, which stands for an ideal man.”

While Ranbir Kapoor is playing the role of Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi will be seen as Goddess Sita. KGF star Yash will be seen as Ravana in this movie. Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey will play the roles of Hanuman and Lakshman, respectively. On the other hand, Kajal Aggarwal and Rakul Preet Singh will be seen as Mandodri and Surpanakha. Arun Govil, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Sheeba Chaddha and Indira Krishnan are also part of this project.

Ramayana Part I is slated for a theatrical release this Diwali, while the second chapter will release on Diwali 2027.