Mukesh Khanna Criticizes Ranbir Kapoor’s Casting as Lord Ram in ‘Ramayana’
Mukesh Khanna, renowned for his role in Mahabharat, is no stranger to controversy. Recently, the veteran actor has once again sparked a debate with his comments on the casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in the upcoming Ramayana film directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
Mukesh Khanna’s Opinion on Casting Lord Ram
In an interview with Mid-Day, Khanna expressed his thoughts on Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram. Initially hesitant, Khanna shared, “If I speak out, they will accuse me of commenting on everything. They’ve already tarnished my reputation. I recently commented on Jackie Shroff’s son… I’m not rude, but I speak my mind. If they are making Ramayana, comparisons with Arun Govil will inevitably occur.” Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana, remains the gold standard for many fans.
Real-Life Conduct Matters
Khanna emphasized the importance of an actor’s real-life behavior aligning with the character they portray. “Arun Govil set the gold standard with his portrayal. Whoever plays Lord Ram must embody the essence of Ram, not look like Ravana. If they’re troublemakers in real life, it will reflect on screen. A person playing Lord Ram should not be seen partying or drinking,” he remarked.
Prabhas’ Attempt at Lord Ram’s Role
Khanna also touched upon Prabhas, who had previously attempted to play Lord Ram but failed to resonate with the audience. “Despite being a huge star, the public didn’t accept him. It’s not that he is a bad actor, but he doesn’t look like Ram,” Khanna explained. “Now, the role is with Kapoor, who is a talented actor. But I’ll judge if he truly resembles Lord Ram.”
Expectations from Ramayana
The film, Ramayana, features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. The first part is slated for release during Diwali 2026, with the second part to follow in Diwali 2027. While Khanna’s comments have stirred controversy, they have also raised important questions about how Lord Ram should be portrayed on-screen, both in terms of acting ability and personal conduct.
Khanna’s candid opinion reflects the deep connection audiences still have with the iconic portrayal of Lord Ram, especially from the Ramayana series that defined the character for generations. As discussions continue, the casting of this epic film will certainly remain in the spotlight, and expectations for Kapoor’s portrayal of the revered figure are at an all-time high.