Mukesh Khanna’s Strong Reaction: Why Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Raises Concerns

Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming magnum opus, Ramayana, has been the talk of Bollywood ever since its announcement. With Ranbir Kapoor reportedly cast as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi playing Sita, the film has already generated immense buzz. Recently, veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Bhishma Pitamaha in Mahabharat, weighed in on the casting choice, particularly expressing concerns about Ranbir Kapoor’s suitability for the role.

Mukesh Khanna’s Objections Over Casting Ranbir Kapoor

Talking to Mid-Day, Mukesh Khanna openly expressed his reservations over the casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. The straight shooter actor said that a hero who is portraying Lord Rama should be just like the character not only on screen but even in life.

• Aap jo actor ko cast kar rahe ho, unki zindagi bhi Ram ke against nahi honi chahiye,\” Khanna said, pointing out that an actor’s personal and professional life should also reflect the divine nature of Lord Rama. “*Humare Kapoor (Ranbir Kapoor) khaandaan ke chirag hain, bohot achhe actor hain.”. Unki life bhi aisi nahi hai jo aap Ram ke against bol sakein.” He has just done Animal, and his negative personality was portrayed in that film. I wish that does not interfere with this, he said.

Accepting Ranbir as a talented boy and from an illustrious lineage, Khanna however said that, at the same time, audiences might take this as how he is portrayed in life too, after the deep darkness of Animal; such roles can affect acceptance for him to play the character of Lord Rama, which represents virtues and good deeds and compassion.

The Challenge of Iconic Comparisons

Mukesh Khanna elaborated on the inevitable comparisons that go with such iconic roles. Comparing it to his very own Bhishma Pitamaha, he said, “Agar Ramayana banate ho, toh Arun Govil ke saath comparison hoga, aur wo zaroor hoga. Bhishma Pitamaha banate ho toh Mukesh Khanna ke saath comparison hoga, chahe aap chahein ya na chahein, kyunki unhone ek icon bana diya hai.“”

(If you make Ramayana, then there will be comparisons with Arun Govil and it cannot be avoided. Similarly, if Bhishma Pitamaha is remade, there will be comparisons with me, whether you like it or not, because those portrayals have become iconic.)

For all eternity, Arun Govil will be forever identified with Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan. Khanna was honest when it came to talking about the kind of pressure and expectation one endures while playing roles this important to the culture.

A Star-Studded Cast That Will Only Add to Anticipation

Except Ranbir Kapoor, the star-studded cast has been roped in by the movie Ramayana. Said to play Sita is the young Sai Pallavi. Known for her very natural and very expressive performances, the actress won many hearts with her choice. Kannada superstar Yash is going to play the formidable Ravana. As reported, Sunny Deol is to play the role of Hanuman though an official word has not yet come.

The project is being helmed by acclaimed director Nitesh Tiwari, who directed the blockbuster Dangal. This epic will be recounted with great fanfare and novelism. The film has been divided into two parts. The first part shall release during Diwali 2026 and the second part will release on Diwali 2027.

Public And Industry Reaction

Mukesh Khanna’s statements have already created a lot of debates among fans and the industry. Some may agree to his concerns, while others might believe that Ranbir Kapoor is versatile enough for the role since he has played complex characters in films like Sanju and Rockstar, but Lord Rama’s shoes are a different cup of tea.

The social media is already a-buzz with opinions in this regard, with a majority of the people indicating that audiences today do not mind seeing actors transform into roles for films, irrespective of their antecedents. Others were saying that it would make more sense on the aspect of storytelling and delivery rather than casting.

With Ramayana in anticipation, stakes for the film are indeed sky high. The challenge, then, is not only of bringing to the fore an epic that is indeed in time but also in living up to the expectations of a host of diverse people across all walks of life. The promise this budget-crossing reportedly more than Rs 500 crore film holds in itself is indeed something of a cultural milestone.

Mukesh Khanna’s words underline the reverence and responsibility with retelling stories like Ramayana. The debate regarding casting will go on but everyone waits for Ranbir Kapoor and the team to do justice to this epic on the silver screen.
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