The Weight of a Divine Role
Portraying Lord Ram, a figure revered by billions, is less an acting job and more a cultural responsibility. For director Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated magnum opus, Ramayana, the challenge of bringing this divine character to life fell to Ranbir
Kapoor. The actor himself admitted to initial hesitation, revealing he turned down the role when it was first offered four years ago because he felt he wasn't “good enough” for the part. However, what began as fear transformed into a sense of gratitude and a life-defining opportunity. Tiwari's choice was deliberate; he saw in Kapoor the ability to portray a “man of few words” whose pain could be felt and whose courage required immense physicality, all while managing the expectations of a billion people. This set the stage for a preparation process unlike any other in the actor's career.
More Than a Physical Transformation
While reports have highlighted Kapoor's intense physical regimen—involving calisthenics, endurance workouts, and a lean, muscular build—his preparation goes much deeper. His celebrity trainer, Shivohaam, revealed that the goal was not just to look the part, but to become it. This involved a holistic approach that merged the physical with the mental and spiritual. Kapoor reportedly adopted a vegetarian diet and gave up alcohol and smoking to feel 'pure' enough for the character. He committed to this disciplined lifestyle not just for the film, but as a personal change, seeing the role as a catalyst for becoming a better version of himself. It was a transformation from the inside out, focusing on embodying the calmness and serene presence that define Lord Ram.
A Spiritual and Scholarly Deep Dive
Kapoor has emphasized that the internal journey was far more critical than any external change. He described the physical aspects of preparing for a role as “superficial” in comparison to understanding a character’s philosophy. To achieve this, he embarked on a two-year journey of spiritual and scholarly research. This included practicing yoga and meditating for hours with a spiritual guru to get closer to the teachings of Lord Ram. He also met with numerous scholars and delved into different versions and iterations of the sacred text. This meticulous research was supported by a dedicated team, including a posture coach who taught him how to sit and carry himself, and experts who worked with him on breathing exercises to channel the character's tranquil demeanor.
A Career Built on Immersion
This research-heavy approach is not new for Kapoor, but Ramayana represents its peak. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for disappearing into his characters. For Sanju, he famously altered his voice, gait, and entire physicality to mirror Sanjay Dutt across different decades. In Animal, he underwent another drastic physical change to portray a character driven by raw aggression, a stark contrast to the divine composure required for Lord Ram. This history of immersive preparation is what perhaps convinced Tiwari he was the right choice. His co-star Ravie Dubey, who plays Lakshman, echoed this sentiment, calling Kapoor “simply the best we have” and praising his unparalleled sincerity, work ethic, and intensity on set.
