Mukesh Khanna Slams Ranbir Kapoor Portrayal of Lord Ram

Bollywood Mascot: Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic portrayal of Shaktimaan, has expressed his disapproval over Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram in the upcoming film Ramayan directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Khanna indirectly criticized Kapoor’s image and behavior, stating that those who portray Lord Ram should not resemble Ravan in any way.

Mukesh Khanna’s Opinion on Ranbir Kapoor’s Role as Lord Ram

In a recent interview with Mid-Day, when asked about Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram, Mukesh Khanna initially refrained from sharing his opinion, citing that he often gets criticized for commenting on others. However, he didn’t hold back when further pressed about his thoughts on who would be the ideal fit for the role of Lord Ram in the industry.

Khanna shared that whoever takes on the role of Ram should truly embody the character, emphasizing that they should not resemble Ravan. He stressed that an actor portraying Lord Ram should fully adopt the essence of the character and not appear as someone who leads a reckless or inappropriate lifestyle.

A Stark Indirect Criticism of Ranbir Kapoor

Khanna took an indirect jibe at Ranbir Kapoor by suggesting, “If someone is reckless or mischievous in real life, they will inevitably reflect that on-screen.” He further added, “If you’re playing Lord Ram, you should look like Ram, not someone who parties or drinks.” This seemed to be a subtle reference to Kapoor’s off-screen image, which has often been linked with his party lifestyle.

Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash in Ramayan

Despite the criticism, the highly anticipated Ramayan film has been generating significant buzz. In this epic retelling, Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi will play Sita, and superstar Yash will take on the role of Ravan. The film will be released in two parts, with the first set to hit theaters during Diwali 2026, and the second part slated for release in 2027. There are also rumors that actor Sunny Deol may play Lord Hanuman, though no official confirmation has been made.

The remarks from Mukesh Khanna add another layer of discussion around the much-awaited film, highlighting how portrayals of iconic figures like Lord Ram can stir public debates about an actor’s personal image and suitability for such revered roles.