Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana continues to generate discussion ahead of the film’s theatrical release. The latest person to share a personal perspective on the casting is Shiv Sagar, grandson of filmmaker Ramanand Sagar, whose 1987 television series Ramayan remains closely associated with the screen portrayal of the epic.
In a recent conversation with Variety India, Shiv Sagar explained why he personally feels that Ranbir Kapoor’s screen persona may be more naturally suited to Lord Krishna than Lord Ram. He stressed that his observation should not be interpreted as a comment on Ranbir’s acting ability. Instead, he was speaking about the qualities he personally associates with the two mythological figures.
Shiv Sagar compares Ranbir’s persona with Ram and Krishna
According to Shiv Sagar, his understanding of Lord Ram is closely connected with the idea of Maryada Purushottam — a figure associated with virtue, dignity, restraint and ideal conduct.
He contrasted this with his understanding of Lord Krishna, whom he described in terms of playfulness, mischief and leela. Based on these personal perceptions, Shiv said he feels Ranbir possesses qualities that could potentially work particularly well for a portrayal of Krishna.
At the same time, he described his image of Lord Ram as more restrained, serious, composed and disciplined. His comments therefore centre on the difference between the qualities he associates with the two characters rather than on Ranbir Kapoor’s professional capabilities as an actor.
Earlier, Shiv Sagar had questioned Ranbir’s casting
This is not the first time Shiv Sagar has spoken about Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram. Earlier this month, he had expressed reservations about the casting and said he personally found it difficult to visualise Ranbir as Ram after watching him in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal.
Shiv had explained that, in his view, casting a relatively fresh face could help audiences approach the character without strong associations from previous roles. He also acknowledged Ranbir as a good actor and said he understood the considerations behind selecting an established star for a project of this scale.
His latest comments offer a slightly different perspective on the same issue. Rather than simply discussing Ranbir’s previous roles, Shiv has now explained why he personally associates the actor more closely with the qualities he attributes to Krishna.
A connection between the Sagar and Kapoor families
Despite his reservations about the casting, Shiv Sagar made it clear that there is no personal issue between him and Ranbir Kapoor.
He revealed that the Sagar and Kapoor families have shared a connection going back several generations. According to Shiv, Prithviraj Kapoor gave Ramanand Sagar one of his early opportunities as a writer in the Hindi film industry through Barsaat in 1949.
Shiv also mentioned another more recent connection between the two families. His sister, Shabnam Gupta, designed Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s home in Bandra. He described the relationship between the families as one based on mutual respect.
Arun Govil’s role in the new Ramayana
Another casting decision that has attracted attention is Arun Govil’s presence in the film. Govil famously portrayed Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s 1987 television series and became strongly associated with the character among generations of viewers.
In Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, however, Govil will play King Dasharath, the father of Lord Ram.
Shiv Sagar said he understands the reasoning behind bringing Govil into the new project. He also clarified that he does not believe Govil is the only actor who could portray Dasharath, while acknowledging the significance of having an actor so closely associated with the earlier television adaptation involved in the new film.
Ranbir Kapoor leads an ambitious new adaptation
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol is set to portray Hanuman, while Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman.
The film is being produced as a two-part cinematic adaptation. The first part is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 8, coinciding with Diwali, while the second part is planned for the following year.
The project has attracted considerable attention because of its large ensemble cast and the scale of its production. The casting of established actors in roles from the epic has also led to ongoing public discussion, particularly because Ramanand Sagar’s television Ramayan remains an important reference point for many viewers.
Shiv Sagar is also revisiting his grandfather’s Ramayan
Interestingly, Shiv Sagar is working on a documentary about the making of his grandfather’s iconic television series.
The documentary, currently carrying the working title Behind The Scenes of the Ramayan, is expected to feature archival footage, behind-the-scenes material, retakes and interviews with members of the original cast and crew. It is being planned for release around Diwali week, close to the theatrical arrival of Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1.
The timing creates an unusual connection between the two projects. One will revisit how the iconic television series was created, while the other will present a new cinematic interpretation of the epic for contemporary audiences.
Shiv Sagar’s views remain personal
While Shiv Sagar’s remarks have added another voice to the ongoing conversation around Ranbir Kapoor’s casting, he has repeatedly framed his observations as personal.
His latest comparison between Ranbir and Krishna is based on the qualities he associates with the two characters. It is not a statement about whether Ranbir can or cannot perform the role of Ram.
The final portrayal will ultimately be shaped by Nitesh Tiwari’s direction, Ranbir’s performance, the film’s writing, production design and the broader creative approach of the team.
For now, the casting discussion continues as Ramayana: Part 1 moves closer to its Diwali release, with Ranbir Kapoor at the centre of one of the most closely watched roles in the film.
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