A Controversial Statement by the Mahabharat Actor Mukesh Khanna, known for portraying Bhishma Pitamah in the iconic TV series Mahabharat and his outspoken views, has expressed disapproval over Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana. This isn’t the first time Khanna has stirred a debate; previously, he made comments about Shatrughan Sinha and his daughter, Sonakshi Sinha.
Concerns Over Ranbir Kapoor’s Image In an interview with Mid-Day, Mukesh Khanna raised concerns about Ranbir Kapoor’s suitability for the role of Lord Ram. He referred to Kapoor’s character in the 2023 film Animal, stating that such roles could impact the perception of him playing the sacred character of Ram.
Khanna remarked, “Arun Govil’s portrayal of Lord Ram in the TV series Ramayan set a gold standard. Anyone playing Ram should embody his virtues, not just on screen but in real life too. If an actor’s personal or professional image contradicts Ram’s serene and righteous demeanor, it could affect the audience’s acceptance.”
Criticism of Modern Actors for Divine Roles Khanna further stated that the actor playing Lord Ram should refrain from activities like partying and drinking, as such behavior could clash with the divine image of the character. “Ranbir Kapoor is a talented actor, but his personality and past roles might not resonate with the spiritual essence of Ram,” he added.
Reference to Prabhas’s Attempt as Ram Drawing comparisons, Khanna mentioned actor Prabhas, who played Lord Ram in Adipurush. Despite his acting skills, the audience reportedly did not connect with him in this role, as his overall persona did not align with the character of Ram.
The Vision for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Reports suggest that Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious project, Ramayana, will be presented in two parts. The first installment is slated for release during Diwali 2026. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman, alongside Ranbir Kapoor in the titular role.
Audience Expectations and Challenges Ahead Mukesh Khanna’s comments have sparked a conversation about the importance of aligning an actor’s on-screen and off-screen image with the characters they portray, especially when playing divine roles. As Tiwari’s Ramayana gears up for production, the debate highlights the challenges of meeting audience expectations for such culturally significant stories.
Stay tuned for further updates on this much-anticipated cinematic adaptation of the epic Ramayana.
