Why Did Ranbir Kapoor Say 'No' To Ramayana Initially - Explained

Nitesh

Tiwari and Namit Malhotra, along with Ranbir Kapoor, kicked off the first leg of Ramayana promotions in Los Angeles earlier this week. The first teaser of the film, titled Rama, was unveiled at an IMAX screen with the media and fans in attendance. For the first time, the trio opened up about their vision, perspective behind telling the Hindu mythological epic to the world, and the spiritual and emotional connection. During an interaction with the audience, Ranbir, who plays Sri Rama in Ramayana, revealed that he had initially refused to sign the film.

Ranbir Kapoor on Ramayana

At the first screening of the Rama glimpse in the U.S, Ranbir spoke about playing Maryada Purshottam in Ramayana and said the preparation was not just physical, but emotional and spiritual too. He added that the performance was more about understanding it and being very truthful.

Ramayana is inbuilt, says Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir further quoted Namit, ‘Lord Rama is loved by billions around the world for centuries and he will continue long after we have gone'. The actor also shared that everything falls in place when the story of Ramayana is inbuilt in the person’s heart and mind.

Why did Ranbir Kapoor not want to do Ramayana?

The actor recalled his initial hesitation and added, "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."

How Raha Kapoor encouraged Ranbir Kapoor to sign Ramayana?

Thanks to Raha Kapoor, Ranbir and Alia Bhatt’s daughter, the actor decided to sign Ramayana. Kapoor shared, "That fear very quickly turned into gratitude because opportunities like this was 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 Ram and becoming a father was needed for a turning point in my life."

About Rama glimpse

According to the Central Board of Film Certification’s official website, Ramayana’s Rama glimpse is 2 minutes and 38 seconds long. Producer Namit Malhotra applied for the certification in Mumbai. The first glimpse of ‘Rama’ will be launched on April 2 at a grand event. Mumbai is one of the locations. As per sources, the video will premiere at 9:00 am on Hanuman Jayanti. Ramayana is a two-part franchise. The first is releasing on Diwali this year and the other is scheduled for a 2027 release.