logo
‘Ramayana': Jaideep Ahlawat reveals he turned down role in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer due to date clash with Yash

‘Ramayana': Jaideep Ahlawat reveals he turned down role in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer due to date clash with Yash

The Hindu24-06-2025
Bollywood actor Jaideep Ahlawat has revealed that he turned down the offer to play Vibhishana in the upcoming big-budget Ramayana adaptation starring Ranbir Kapoor. The actor said that he couldn't play the role since his dates didn't match those of KGF-star Yash, who plays Ravan, the iconic antagonist and Vibhishana's elder brother, in the film.
In a recent interview, Ahlwat said, 'Unko ek particular timing chahiye tha kyunki Vibhishan ke saath Ravan ka hona zaroori hain… toh do actors ke dates ke saath match hona tha. I'm sure Ravan ki dates mujh se zyada important hogi (The makers wanted a particular timing because Vibhishana had to appear along with Ravan. So the dates of the actors had to match. I am sure the dates of the actor playing Ravan are more important than mine.)
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana stars Ranbir as Lord Ram, actor Sai Pallavi as Sita and actor Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Lara Dutta and Sheeba Chaddha are also said to be a part of the film.
Billed as one of the most anticipated Indian films, Ramayana is produced by Yash's Monster Mind Creations and Namit Malhotra's production company, Prime Focus India. The magnum opus will be released in two parts, with the first part coming out in 2026 and the second in 2027.
Ahlawat was last seen in Jewel Thief, where his performance as the antagonist drew critical acclaim, particularly for his acting range and unexpected dance sequences. Earlier this week, the actor confirmed that he is playing a key role in King, the upcoming action-thriller starring Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Siddharth Anand.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Exclusive: Ramayan's Dipika Chikhlia on Arun Govil playing Dasarath in Nitesh Tiwari's magnum opus Ramayana; says ‘To see him in a role apart from Ram…'
Exclusive: Ramayan's Dipika Chikhlia on Arun Govil playing Dasarath in Nitesh Tiwari's magnum opus Ramayana; says ‘To see him in a role apart from Ram…'

Time of India

time34 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Exclusive: Ramayan's Dipika Chikhlia on Arun Govil playing Dasarath in Nitesh Tiwari's magnum opus Ramayana; says ‘To see him in a role apart from Ram…'

As director Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana gears up to be one of the biggest cinematic spectacles, the first look of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram has sparked immense nostalgia. For millions, Ramanand Sagar's 1987 Ramayan remains the most iconic retelling — and Dipika Chikhlia and Arun Govil, its eternal Sita and Ram. Speaking exclusively to Times of India TV, Dipika reflected on this deep association, especially in light of Arun Govil now being cast as King Dasarath in the upcoming film. 'To see him in a role apart from Ram… I don't know, I mean, see — I have seen him as Ram and I've seen myself as Sita. For me to see him as Dasarath is really a little out of context,' Dipika admitted candidly. 'But then I guess that's really his choice. It's very personal as to how people feel. It's very difficult to break images. I mean, if you played Ram, then you are Ram.' She also revealed that she was not approached for any role in the new adaptation. 'I was never approached. I guess they've not even bothered to speak to me about it,' she said. Dipika added that she wouldn't feel comfortable taking on any role within the Ramayana again. 'Once I played Sita, I don't think I can play any other character in Ramayan. It's something I'm not sure about. If I was doing something in Mahabharat or Shiv Puran, I could still give it a thought, but not in a Ramayana film.' Dipika Chikhlia's portrayal of Sita remains a benchmark of grace and devotion. Her performance left such a lasting impression that she continues to be celebrated as a living embodiment of Sita Maa by fans even today.

Tibet In Hearts: Majnu Ka Tila Celebrates Dalai Lama's 90th
Tibet In Hearts: Majnu Ka Tila Celebrates Dalai Lama's 90th

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Tibet In Hearts: Majnu Ka Tila Celebrates Dalai Lama's 90th

New Delhi: Stacking the white khataks, Tibetan ceremonial scarves signifying good wishes, were several women in Majnu Ka Tila. Their movements were calm and purposeful. On the other side, some men managed seating arrangements as monks chanted a prayer. Children, in traditional Tibetan attire, rehearsed dance steps for a performance scheduled after the prayer. A few dashed past the gathering, eyeing the birthday cake awaiting them. The excitement was palpable as everyone gathered to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Wearing a chupa, attire women don on auspicious days, 62-year-old Soap Chamo was practising her dance routine backstage. "The Dalai Lama is our way of life," she said. "I was born during my parents' journey from Lhasa. It's been 40 years, and I have never seen my homeland. To live away and build a life requires resilience. That resilience we get from him. This is a tradition we'll carry forward. His Holiness keeps us united. I want my children and grandchildren to continue it." Migmar Tsering (37), headmaster of the Tibetan Children's Village School, echoed this sentiment while dressing up a group of 8-year-olds preparing to perform a traditional Tibetan opera dating back to the fifth Dalai Lama. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon | Luxury Awaits at Paras Floret Paras The Florett Book Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola "I was seven when I migrated to India. My parents stayed behind. I haven't seen them in over 25 years, and that pain drives me," he said. "These children are now the custodians of the culture that we have left behind," he said. "We teach in Tibetan until Class 4 and encourage participation in festivals like these." The celebration included an hour-long prayer, followed by offerings of wheat flour, symbolising long life for the Dalai Lama. Devotees then offered khataks, followed by a cake cutting ceremony and dance performances by all age groups. Meanwhile, the kitchen buzzed with preparations of meetha chawal, paneer and roti — an Indian-style tribute to His Holiness. Six-year-old Isha was one of the youngest performers. On the other end of the age spectrum, 99-year-old Dawa, older than the Dalai Lama by nine years, counted her rosary beads in silent prayer. Amid the festive atmosphere, political tensions lingered. Recently China has rejected the Dalai Lama's decision to let the Gaden Phodrang Trust choose his reincarnation, insisting the process must be approved by Beijing, a move seen as a threat to Tibetan autonomy. "China doesn't follow any religion in the first place, so why is it getting into our religious issue?" remarked Tashi Lhamo, president of the Regional Tibetan Women's Association, Delhi. "How the next Dalai Lama is chosen is an internal matter. Only the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the authority, not Beijing." Two women, Tenzing Yangze and Rakiye, aged 22 and 23, respectively, and participants in the festivities, said: "Our entire culture revolves around the institution of the Dalai Lama, so only Tibetans should have the final say, not the Chinese government." Speaking on the importance of keeping the younger generation abreast with Tibetan culture and the revered institution of the Dalai Lama, Ngodup Choephel (52), president of the Majnu Ka Tilla Resident's Welfare Association and head of the 'Dgu Bcu Tsogs Pa' (Ninety Year Committee), said: "Though we are a generation in exile, we've built a home rooted in our faith. Even toddlers instinctively fold their hands before His Holiness's picture. " Extending support from the civic body, Vikas Taank, MCD councillor of Civil Lines from AAP, said: "I'm glad we were born in the age of Nobel laureate Dalai Lama, the undertaker of peace in today's world." Adding political dimension to the occasion, Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch's general secretary, Pankaj Goyal, commented on recent Chinese statements: "China needs to back off when it comes to Tibet. Tibetans have the right to preserve their own culture, and India shares a long-standing and respectful relationship with this nation." As children danced and elders looked on with pride, the moment reflected more than celebration. It was cultural continuity in motion.

Yuvraj Singh: Latest News, ICC Records & Rankings of Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh: Latest News, ICC Records & Rankings of Yuvraj Singh

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Yuvraj Singh: Latest News, ICC Records & Rankings of Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh, born on December 12, 1981, in Chandigarh, India, is a former cricketer renowned for his charismatic style and exceptional talents. He emerged as a dynamic all-rounder in the Indian cricketing landscape, known for his potent left-handed batting, agile fielding, and crafty left-arm spin bowling. Yuvraj's international journey began in 2000, swiftly establishing him as a promising player. Amassing 8,701 runs and 111 wickets in 304 One Day Internationals (ODIs), his prowess was undeniable. His crowning moment arrived during the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, where his stunning six sixes in an over against England became an iconic feat in cricket history. His contributions were pivotal in India's victory in both the T20 World Cup and the 50-over ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, cementing his status as a cricketing hero. Throughout his career, Yuvraj battled health challenges, overcoming a rare form of lung cancer in 2011 and making a triumphant return to the game. His resilience and determination off the field paralleled his on-field performances, inspiring countless fans. With 1,900 runs and 9 wickets in Test matches, and 1,177 runs and 28 wickets in T20 Internationals, Yuvraj's versatility across formats was a testament to his exceptional skills. Yuvraj bid farewell to international cricket in June 2019, leaving behind a legacy of entertaining cricket, unforgettable moments, and a never-give-up attitude that continues to inspire aspiring cricketers worldwide.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store