There is massive excitement among audiences to see Ranbir Kapoor portray Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana. However, the actor has revealed that he initially turned down the role due to self-doubt.
Why Ranbir Kapoor Initially Said No
On Tuesday, Ranbir Kapoor attended an event in Los Angeles, New York, alongside director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra, where the first glimpse of Ramayana was unveiled. Speaking at the event, Ranbir shared that he had declined the project when it was first offered to him nearly four years ago.
Recalling his hesitation, he said he immediately felt he was not the right fit for the role and doubted whether he could do justice to such an iconic character.
What Changed His Decision
Ranbir explained that his fear soon turned into gratitude, especially as it coincided with a transformative phase in his personal life. Around the same time, he became a father for the first time.
He described this overlap, stepping into the role of Lord Ram and embracing fatherhood, as a meaningful coincidence that helped bring significant changes to his life and lifestyle.
Ranbir Kapoor married Alia Bhatt in April 2022 after years of dating, and the couple welcomed their daughter Raha in November the same year. They made their first public appearance with Raha during Christmas 2023.
How Ranbir Prepared For The Role
The actor also spoke about his preparation for portraying Lord Ram. He said his journey began long ago when he first watched Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana, which remains deeply rooted in cultural consciousness.
Ranbir emphasised that preparing for the role required not just physical transformation, but also emotional and spiritual understanding. For him, it was about staying true to the story and respecting the character with sincerity and devotion.
About ‘Ramayana’
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana will be released in two parts. The first installment is scheduled for a Diwali release this year, while the second part is expected to arrive during Diwali 2027.
A three-minute teaser of the film was unveiled on July 3, 2025, showcasing high-quality visuals, including scenes of Ranbir climbing trees and wielding a bow and arrow.
The film features a star-studded cast, with Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
Recently, producer Namit Malhotra announced that a new glimpse of the film will be released on April 2, on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. The preview is expected to reveal the looks of Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, Sunny Deol, and Yash.