Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited Ramayana has been a major topic of discussion even before the film’s release. Now, Bageshwar Dham Peethadhishwar Pandit Dhirendra Shastri has shared his thoughts on the actor taking on the iconic role.
During a conversation with TV9 Bharatvarsh, Dhirendra Shastri was asked about the criticism surrounding Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram. The discussion also referred to comments from some people questioning whether an actor with Ranbir’s past image could portray such a revered character.
Rather than focusing only on Ranbir’s past, Dhirendra Shastri gave the actor a specific message about the responsibility that comes with playing Lord Ram.
Dhirendra Shastri’s Message to Ranbir Kapoor
Dhirendra Shastri said that if an actor has taken on the role of Lord Ram, he should also try to reflect the character’s values in his own conduct. His central message to Ranbir was that after portraying Ram, he should not move away from the character’s ideals.
According to Shastri, what happened in the past should remain in the past. However, once an actor takes on such an important religious and cultural character, he should be mindful of the responsibility associated with it.
His comments have added another dimension to the ongoing conversation around Ramayana, particularly because the film is one of the most ambitious Indian cinematic projects currently in production.
He Recalled Arun Govil’s Experience
While speaking about Ranbir Kapoor, Dhirendra Shastri also brought up the example of Arun Govil, who became synonymous with Lord Ram after playing the character in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series Ramayan.
Shastri recalled an incident involving Arun Govil from the time of the television show. According to the story, Govil once had a cigarette during a film shoot, and a fan noticed him smoking. The fan reportedly became upset after seeing the actor, who was widely revered because of his portrayal of Lord Ram.
Shastri said that Govil subsequently gave up smoking. He used the incident to explain how portraying a revered character can influence the way audiences perceive an actor.
The example was presented as a lesson for Ranbir Kapoor as well: once an actor takes on the role of Lord Ram, the expectations surrounding his public conduct can change significantly.
‘Ramayana’ Comes With a Bigger Responsibility
Dhirendra Shastri suggested that portraying Lord Ram is not merely an acting assignment. In his view, an actor who takes on the character also takes on a certain responsibility because of the deep emotional and spiritual connection people have with Ram.
He compared the situation to achieving a major milestone and then having to carry the responsibility that comes with it. According to Shastri, making Ramayana is one achievement, but living up to the values associated with Lord Ram is an even bigger challenge.
His remarks highlight why the casting of Ranbir Kapoor has generated such intense discussion. The character of Lord Ram has been portrayed by several actors over the years, but Arun Govil’s version remains particularly influential among television audiences.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Has Already Created Huge Buzz
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana has been attracting attention because of its massive scale and star-studded cast. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi portrays Sita and Yash takes on the role of Ravana.
The film is being made as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the epic, with a reported large-scale international production and visual-effects setup. The project has also generated considerable interest because of the combination of Bollywood stars and an ambitious filmmaking approach.
The first part is scheduled around the Diwali period, making it one of the biggest theatrical releases on the calendar.
Ranbir’s Casting Has Faced Both Praise and Criticism
Ever since Ranbir Kapoor was announced as Lord Ram, reactions from audiences have been mixed. Some viewers have expressed confidence in the actor and praised his look and preparation, while others have questioned whether he fits the image of Ram that has been established in popular culture.
The discussion became even more intense after the film’s promotional material and trailer were released. At the same time, several people associated with the earlier Ramayan have also spoken about the new adaptation.
Arun Govil, who famously played Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s television Ramayan, has previously expressed his views on Ranbir’s casting and has also appeared in the new film as King Dasharath.
Why Arun Govil’s Example Matters
The reference to Arun Govil is particularly significant because his portrayal of Lord Ram became deeply associated with his public identity. Even decades after the original television series, audiences continue to remember him primarily for that role.
Dhirendra Shastri’s comments suggest that he sees this as an example of how a powerful portrayal can influence an actor’s public image. Once viewers strongly associate an actor with a revered character, their expectations can extend beyond the screen.
This is why Shastri has advised Ranbir Kapoor to remain careful about his conduct after taking on the role.
What Dhirendra Shastri Wants Ranbir to Remember
The central message from Dhirendra Shastri is that Ranbir Kapoor should understand the significance of the character he is portraying. He did not simply comment on whether Ranbir was suitable for the role; instead, he focused on what should happen after the actor has accepted the responsibility.
Shastri's message was essentially that the portrayal of Lord Ram should not end when the cameras stop rolling. He believes Ranbir should try to understand and reflect the values associated with the character.
That statement is likely to fuel further discussion around Ramayana, especially as the film moves closer to its theatrical release.
Ramayana Is One of Ranbir Kapoor’s Biggest Projects
For Ranbir Kapoor, Ramayana represents one of the biggest and most challenging roles of his career. Playing Lord Ram means stepping into a character that is deeply rooted in Indian culture and has been portrayed across television, cinema, theatre and other forms of storytelling.
The film also places Ranbir alongside major actors including Yash, Sai Pallavi and Sunny Deol. With Nitesh Tiwari directing, expectations around the project are exceptionally high.
The actor has therefore taken on a role where performance, appearance and cultural sensitivity will all be closely examined by audiences.
Dhirendra Shastri’s Advice Adds to the Debate
Dhirendra Shastri’s comments have added a fresh perspective to the debate surrounding Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana. Instead of concentrating solely on the actor’s past, he has urged Ranbir to focus on the responsibility attached to portraying Lord Ram.
The example of Arun Govil further underlines the point. Govil’s portrayal became so influential that audiences began expecting the actor to behave in accordance with the image of Ram they had seen on television.
As Ranbir prepares to bring a new version of Lord Ram to the big screen, his performance will inevitably be compared with earlier portrayals while also being judged on its own merits. For now, Dhirendra Shastri’s message is clear: playing Lord Ram is not just about portraying the character on screen; it also comes with a responsibility that extends beyond the film.
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