Latest news with #Surpanakha
New Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
A solo act brings Surpanaka to life
Thousands of years ago, Rama and Sita were born. They decided to get married. Later, an understanding was reached, where the couple was to spend 14 years of their life away from royalty. The pair, along with Lakshmana, moved through forests. In this journey, they encounter Surpanakha from the Asura clan. Outrightly, she admits her desire to marry Rama. Upon rejection, Surpanakha approaches Lakshmana. And then faces his wrath. Throughout history and most reimaginings of Ramayana, Surpanakha is always portrayed in a one-dimensional, villainous light for daring to speak what her heart desired, for setting her heart on a man, and for stepping outside the bounds of how a woman was expected to behave. Parshathy J Nath, a theatre artiste, finds this 'bizarre'. Why was Surpanakha treated the way she was in Ramayana? Just because she confessed her love for a man, should she be mutilated? These were a few questions she was searching for answers to.
India.com
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Remember Ramanand Sagar Ramayan's 'Surpanakha'? The actress was paid Rs 30000 to cut off her nose, quit acting to work as..., her name is...
Remember Ramanand Sagar Ramayan's 'Surpanakha'? The actress was paid Rs 30000 to cut off her nose, quit acting to work as..., her name is... Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan, originally telecasted from January 1987 to July 1988, is considered the most-watched Indian television show even three decades after it ended. The show featured largely new or unknown characters in the lead roles such as Dipika Chikhlia, Sunil Lahri, and Arvind Trivedi, that later became household names following the show's success. Renu Dhariwal, who portrayed Ravana's sister Surpanakha, one of the most popular characters in Ramayana, also rose to fame. Even though, she starred in just four out of 78 episodes, she still captivated audiences with her performance in the mythological serial. The actress once shared the back story regarding how she got the role of Shurpanakha in Ramayan. In an earlier interaction with Indian Express, Renu recalled, 'I come from a conservative Punjabi family, the kind that would never allow their daughters to enter showbiz. But I wanted to be an actor, a decision my Bengali mother supported. Without telling my father the real reason for moving to Bombay, I came here and joined Roshan Taneja's acting classes, where Govinda was my classmate. After that, I started to work in theatre. That's where Papaji (Ramanand Sagar) saw me.' She further added, 'He saw me play a mother in a play called Purush. When he realised I was a young girl, he was impressed and asked me to audition for Surpanakha's role. Surpanakha is the sister of a powerful warrior and scholar, Raavan. She is a princess and a shapeshifter, and the one who becomes the trigger for the most famous battle in Hindu mythology. I didn't see any reason to let go of the opportunity.' Renu was paid Rs 30000 for her portrayal of Surpanakha in Ramayan. Morever, she also received several work opportunities following the show's success. During the same interaction, she recalled, 'It got me roles in BR Chopra's teleseries Chunni, Surinder Singh's National Award-winning Punjabi film Marhi da Deewa and also Hema Malini's directorial debut Dil Aashna Hai, before I gave it all up for a career in politics.' Renu Dhariwal gave up her acting career after marriage, and now currently lives in Mumbai with her husband and a son. After taking a step back from films, she ventured into politics, and now works actively for Congress Party. Moreover, she also helps her husband in his real estate business. Besides this, she also operates two NGOs for women and child care.
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Priyanka Chopra was the first choice for Surpanakha in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Ramayana? Here's how Rakul got the role
Ranbir Kapoor and Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is undoubtedly one of the most awaited films of Bollywood. The project had kicked off a while ago and behind-the-scenes leaked pictures from the set had piqued the interest of fans. But the film was officially announced last year in November by the director. Along with a poster, Nitesh had unveiled the release dates of the duology — Ramayana Part: 1 will release on Diwali 2026, followed by Ramayana Part: 2 on Diwali 2027. While Ranbir will be seen as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi is playing the role of Sita and Rocking Star Yash is portraying Ravana. But did you know RK's Barfi! co-star Priyanka Chopra Jonas was the first choice to play Ravana's sister Surpanakha in the film? A post shared by Namit Malhotra (@iamnamitmalhotra) Actor Rakul Preet Singh was roped in to play the character of Ravana's sister Surpanakha in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. But a report shared by ETimes has now revealed that Desi Girl Priyanka Chopra Jonas was the first choice for this role. A source was quoted saying, 'Surpanakha is one of the main reasons the Ramayan took place. The makers were keen on having Priyanka Chopra for the same role. But things didn't work out owing to her packed schedule with international projects. That's when Rakul came on board. She fitted the role perfectly and brought intensity and a fresh take to the character.' A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra) Well, this casting could have been quite interesting. While Priyanka is sadly not a part of Ramayana, she will soon be making her comeback to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli's next, co-starring Mahesh Babu. PeeCee was also in the news regarding another project with Atlee and Allu Arjun, but she reportedly declined the offer. Deepika Padukone was later roped in for the film. Ramayana, on the other hand, is currently being shot. While Ranbir has completed his portions, Yash is filming for his parts in Mumbai. The multi-starrer also stars Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Laxman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodri and Lara Dutta as Kakeyi. How excited are you for this magnum opus?
News18
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Priyanka Chopra Was First Choice For Surpanakha In Ramayana? Know Why She Rejected It
Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is one of the most anticipated Indian films in production, boasting a massive budget of over Rs 800 crore and an ensemble cast. With stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi onboard, the film promises to be a cinematic spectacle. But before Rakul Preet Singh was finalized to play Surpanakha, another global star was reportedly the first choice, Priyanka Chopra. According to a report by ETimes, the makers were keen on casting Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the pivotal role of Surpanakha, whose character is considered one of the catalysts of the Ramayana epic. A source revealed, 'Surpanakha is one of the main reasons the Ramayana took place. The makers were keen on having Priyanka Chopra for the same role. But things didn't work out owing to her packed schedule with international projects. That's when Rakul came on board. She fitted the role perfectly and brought intensity and a fresh take to the character."
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive: Was Priyanka Chopra the original choice to play Surpanakha in Ramayan?
Priyanka Chopra and Rakul Preet Singh In a surprising twist to the casting of Nitesh Tiwari 's film Ramayan, sources reveal that Priyanka Chopra was initially approached to portray the pivotal character of Surpanakha, the sister of Ravan. However, due to her packed schedule with international commitments, the role eventually went to Rakul Preet Singh . According to an insider, 'Surpanakha is one of the main reasons the Ramayan took place. The makers were keen on having Priyanka Chopra for the same role. But things didn't work out owing to her packed schedule with international projects. That's when Rakul came on board. She fitted the role perfectly and brought intensity and a fresh take to the character.' Rakul, who will be seen in this epic trilogy, has reportedly undergone a look test for the role and is excited about stepping into the world of this mythological tale. The actress is yet to confirm her presence in the project. Ramayan, targeted for a Diwali 2025 release, boasts a star-studded ensemble cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravan, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. It will be interesting to see Rakul play Surpanakha, a character whose actions set the stage for the epic conflict between Lord Ram and Ravan. Meanwhile, we reached out to Priyanka's team for a confirmation but are yet to hear back from them.
