Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, best remembered for his portrayal of Bhishma Pitamah in the epic television series Mahabharat, has recently shared his views on the casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari’s much-anticipated project Ramayana. Khanna, known for his straightforward opinions on film and television, expressed reservations about whether Kapoor could convincingly portray such a revered and culturally significant role.
Speaking to the media, Khanna acknowledged Ranbir Kapoor’s acting talent and versatility but suggested that portraying Lord Ram requires more than just acting skill. He emphasized that the character embodies values like discipline, morality, and divinity, which must be convincingly reflected in the actor’s persona. According to Khanna, an actor’s past roles and public image can influence how audiences perceive them in such mythological portrayals.
He explained that Lord Ram is not just a character in a story but a figure of deep cultural and religious reverence for millions. Any cinematic representation, he said, needs to be handled with extreme sensitivity, authenticity, and respect for the audience’s sentiments. Khanna hinted that certain contemporary portrayals or off-screen associations of an actor could challenge audience acceptance in a role as spiritually significant as Lord Ram.
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana has already generated massive buzz due to its ambitious scale, visual effects, and casting choices. Alongside Ranbir Kapoor, the film reportedly features Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. While fans are excited to see how Tiwari reimagines the epic tale, Khanna’s comments have sparked discussions about the balance between star power and suitability for roles rooted in tradition and faith.
Social media platforms have seen mixed reactions to Khanna’s statement. Some users echoed his concerns, stating that mythological roles require actors whose public image aligns closely with the moral stature of the character. Others argued that Ranbir Kapoor, known for delivering nuanced performances in films like Barfi! and Sanju, should be given the chance to prove himself in a completely different genre.
Industry analysts suggest that Khanna’s remarks highlight an ongoing debate in Indian cinema about casting choices in mythological and historical films. With the rise of big-budget retellings of ancient epics, the pressure on filmmakers to strike the right balance between artistic vision and cultural sensitivity has grown significantly.
Despite the reservations expressed by some, expectations remain high for Ramayana, particularly given Nitesh Tiwari’s track record with successful and emotionally impactful films such as Dangal and Chhichhore. As production moves forward, the final portrayal of Lord Ram by Ranbir Kapoor will be closely watched, not just by fans of the actor but also by those who hold the epic in deep regard.
Whether or not Khanna’s concerns prove justified will only be known once the film releases. For now, the debate has added yet another layer of intrigue to one of the most talked-about projects in Indian cinema.
