Arun Govil Says No Current Star Can Play Lord Ram: 'Find Someone Outside Bollywood'
News18.com
Last Updated: June 05, 2025, 19:43 IST
Arun Govil questions modern Ramayan retellings and says no current Bollywood actor, including Ranbir Kapoor, is fit to portray Lord Ram. Suggests casting outsider.
Arun Govil, the actor revered across generations for his iconic portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan, has shared candid thoughts on the many modern attempts to reimagine the epic. Speaking in an interview with NDTV, the actor — now a BJP Member of Parliament from Meerut — expressed deep skepticism about contemporary actors stepping into the sacred role that defined his career and became a cultural cornerstone in Indian television history.
'Three-four people have tried recreating it, but they weren't successful," Govil said. 'I don't think in our lifetime someone should attempt to remake Ramayan. When it comes to playing Ram, none of the stars we have today fit the part in my opinion. Maybe someone from outside the industry might be more suitable."
His remarks come during the second phase of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a spiritual and political milestone that echoes the themes of devotion and righteousness long associated with the Ramayan narrative.
Govil's portrayal of Lord Ram across 78 episodes from 1987 to 1988 was nothing short of legendary, turning Sunday mornings at 9:30 am on Doordarshan into a near-spiritual ritual for households across India. The show left such a cultural impact that even decades later, attempts to recreate its magic have struggled to find acceptance.
His comments also appear to be a subtle critique of recent cinematic interpretations — most notably the 2023 film Adipurush, which cast Prabhas as Ram and faced widespread backlash for its creative liberties and underwhelming execution. The film was a critical and commercial disappointment.
Interestingly, Govil's statement arrives just as Ranbir Kapoor gears up to don the role of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's much-anticipated film adaptation of Ramayan. Touted as a two-part cinematic saga, it is scheduled for release on Diwali in 2026 and 2027.
While the anticipation around Tiwari's version builds, Arun Govil's words serve as a reminder that when it comes to mythological icons like Lord Ram, audiences expect more than just star power — they seek divinity in performance. Yatamanyu Narain
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he's always on the hun... Read More
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he's always on the hun... Read More News movies » bollywood Arun Govil Says No Current Star Can Play Lord Ram: 'Find Someone Outside Bollywood'
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