OG Ram questions Ranbir’s fit for the role, says “maybe someone outside Bollywood is better suited.”
The buzz around Nitesh Tiwari’s larger-than-life ‘Ramayana’ just got spicier. While Ranbir Kapoor preps to play Lord Ram in the magnum opus, Arun Govil — the OG Ram from Ramanand Sagar’s iconic 1987 show — has stirred the pot with a subtle dig. Speaking to NDTV, Govil said, “Three-four people tried recreating it, but failed. I don’t conceive in our lifetime someone should try to recreate Ramayan.” Ouch.
He didn’t layover there. On Ranbir’s casting, Govil added, “All the stream stars… I don’t suppose anyone is suited. Maybe someone outdoors the industry could’ve done it better.”
Interestingly, Govil himself is playing King Dashrath in the film — a move his ‘Ramayan’ co-star Sunil Lahri openly disapproved of. Lahri matte it diminished the inspired glory Govil formerly held as Lord Ram.
The star-studded ‘Ramayana’ also features Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva. Part 1 releases on Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in 2027.
Looks ilk the ‘Ramayana’ saga has already begun — off screen!
