Do you know Salman Khan almost played Lord Ram years before Ranbir Kapoor took up the role in Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part Ramayana? Part 1 of this new epic is set to release on Diwali 2026. But back in the ’90s, Salman’s brother Sohail Khan had already started working on a very different version of the mythological tale.
Sohail began this project in the early 1990s after his debut as a director with Auzaar. Salman dressed in a complete Lord Ram avatar with bow, arrow, and traditional attire. The buzz was huge, and fans were ready for something big.
Sonali Bendre was cast as Sita, while actor-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt also joined the film. Almost 40% of the movie was shot before it suddenly came to a halt.
How Love Stopped Salman Khan Starrer Ramayana
The reason wasn’t budget issues or creative conflicts. Reports suggest romance bloomed between Sohail Khan and Pooja Bhatt during the shoot. In a 1995 interview, Pooja even spoke about marriage, hinting that things had become serious.
When their father and veteran writer Salim Khan came to know, he reportedly advised Sohail to step back. Salman tried to keep the project on track, but tensions grew. Pooja eventually walked out, and with a key lead gone, the film was shelved. All that remains are a few publicity shots of Salman as Lord Ram.
For fans of ’90s Bollywood, this unfinished film is a true “what if.” Imagine Salman’s star power as Lord Ram, paired with Sonali Bendre’s charm and Pooja Bhatt’s bold screen presence. It could have been a cultural moment, but it remains one of Bollywood’s many shelved passion projects.
Back then, family-run studios and personal relationships often influenced filmmaking decisions. The Salman-Sohail Ramayana is just another reminder of how personal lives shaped cinema during that era.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Grand New Ramayana
Today, the Ramayana has found a fresh start with Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious vision. Ranbir Kapoor steps into the role of Lord Ram, with Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as the powerful Ravana. The film is planned as a two-part saga with heavy VFX and a global appeal. Part 1 is expected on Diwali 2026, while Part 2 will follow.
