Actor Ranbir Kapoor is all set to play Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. The film is already creating huge buzz. However, many fans may be surprised to know that Ranbir had first rejected the role.
Despite the film’s scale and importance, he felt he was not ready at that time. Now, the actor has opened up about why he said no and what made him finally change his mind.
Ranbir Kapoor Reveals Why He Rejected Ramayana
Ranbir Kapoor recently attended an event in New York with Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra. This came after the film’s first glimpse was unveiled in Los Angeles.
During the event, Ranbir shared that his first reaction to the offer was a clear no. He admitted he doubted himself at that time.
He said, “I remember when Namit offered me this part around 4 years ago, my instant reaction was ‘No’, I’m not fit enough, not good enough, and I won’t be able to do full justice.”
#RanbirKapoor when #NamitMalhotra offered him Prabhu Shree Ram's role 4 years ago … #Ramayana pic.twitter.com/IMbMgROkEn
— Best Of Cinema (@R0npz) April 1, 2026
What Changed His Decision
However, things changed soon after. Ranbir explained that his fear slowly turned into gratitude. He felt the opportunity came at the right time in his life.
DON'T MISS
He shared, “That fear very quickly turned into gratitude because opportunities like this were needed very much in my life. I was in a period in my life where I needed to change my life and lifestyle. I became a father for the first time. I think the sweet coincidence of playing Lord Rama and becoming a father was needed for a turning point in my life.”
Around the same time, Ranbir married Alia Bhatt in April 2022. The couple welcomed their daughter Raha in November the same year. This personal phase helped him see things differently and accept the role.
Ranbir also spoke about preparing for the character. He said he revisited Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana to understand the story better. He added that the preparation was not just physical but also emotional and spiritual.
He said, “I think, for me the preparation started the day I saw Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana. It is so etched in our consciousness and so deeply rooted in us that we are so proud of the story and Lord Rama’s journey. When I had the opportunity to essay him, of course, there is a lot of preparation, not just physical, it’s emotional and spiritual. It’s about understanding it and being very truthful. I have a lot of love and respect for this part and the story of Ramayana, so when you have that inbuilt, everything falls into place.”
All About Ranbir Kapoor Starrer Ramayana
Ramayana is one of the most ambitious films in Indian cinema. Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, the film stars Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
The music is composed by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman.
The first part will release worldwide in October 2026, around Diwali. The second part is planned for 2027. A new glimpse of the film is also expected to be released on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.
