Philosophy Over Physique
For Ranbir Kapoor, the journey to becoming Lord Ram began from the inside out. While physical transformation is a given for such a role, the actor has emphasised that his primary focus was understanding the character's philosophy. In a recent discussion,
Kapoor stated that superficial preparations like building a certain body type are relatively easy compared to the challenge of embodying a character's spirit. His goal was to connect with the teachings of Lord Ram to present a simple, uncomplicated portrayal that could resonate with audiences of all ages, from two to 80. This approach required a deep dive into the values Lord Ram represents: compassion, righteousness, and grace under pressure. Director Nitesh Tiwari chose Kapoor for his ability to convey these nuanced emotions, noting that Lord Ram's pain was felt, not seen, and required an actor who could manage the expectations of a billion people.
A Disciplined Spiritual and Mental Journey
To access the character's inner world, Kapoor embarked on a two-year spiritual journey before filming even began. This included extensive reading, consulting with scholars to understand different interpretations of the epic, and practising yoga. The actor also worked closely with a guru named Suvir, who guided him through hours of meditation to get closer to the teachings of Lord Ram. This mental and spiritual conditioning was reportedly supplemented by significant lifestyle changes. It has been widely reported that Kapoor adopted a Sattvic lifestyle, quitting alcohol and turning vegetarian to reflect the purity and discipline associated with the deity. This holistic approach was designed to ensure that he didn’t just act like Lord Ram, but could embody his inherent calmness and spirit.
Crafting the Physical Form
While the internal work was paramount, the physical preparation was equally rigorous and specific. The goal was not to build a bulky physique but a lean, agile, and warrior-like body. Fresh off his bulkier look for Animal, Kapoor pivoted to an entirely new regimen. His trainer revealed that his workouts, which sometimes lasted three to four hours a day, were intense and varied. They included everything from callisthenics, clap pull-ups, and muscle-ups on Roman rings to functional training with kettlebells and battle ropes. His routine also incorporated outdoor activities like running, hiking, and cycling to build stamina and mental clarity. Furthermore, given Lord Ram's prowess as an archer, Kapoor underwent specialised archery training to perfect his posture and technique.
Mastering the Voice and Diction
A crucial part of bringing such a monumental character to life is the voice. Director Nitesh Tiwari, known for his meticulous attention to detail, established a dedicated team to work on the film's diction and dialogue. Reports indicate that Kapoor has been working with a diction expert to ensure his dialogue delivery aligns with the film's grand vision. The actor reportedly spent hours reading dialogues and sending videos to Tiwari to perfect his vocal performance. This training was essential, as Kapoor is said to be playing a dual role, also portraying Lord Parshurama, another avatar of Lord Vishnu. Distinguishing between the two required a deep understanding of their emotionality and spirituality, which would then inform the body language and voice.
