Arun Govil recalls playing Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan but being turned down before getting the iconic role. Opening up about playing King Dasharath in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana |
veteran actor Arun Govil As he attends the lavish awards show, he revisits the role that changed his life Ramayana: Pratham Sankalp event held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on Friday. The actor became a household name after playing Lord Ram Ramanand SagarThe iconic TV series shares his memories of being initially turned down for the role and then eventually being cast.This event kicked off the promotional activities Nitesh Tiwari“Ramayana” starring Ranbir Kapoor As Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi As Sita Govil is also involved in the film but this time he plays King Dasaratha, the father of Lord Ram.
Arun Govil says he was rejected for Lord Ram
Govil spoke at the event and reflected on how integrated the name Ram is in daily life in India.“Ram may be a small word, but it is woven into our lives. No matter what stage of life we are going through, whatever emotion we express, this word is woven into it. We say “Hai Ram”, “Arre Ram”, “Ram Ram” and even “Ram duhai”. Everything around us is filled with Ram,” he said.The actor then shared the story of how he landed the role that defined his career.Govil recalled that after learning that Ramanand Sagar was filming Ramayana, he approached the filmmaker and expressed his desire to play Lord Ram.“I approached him without thinking about anything else and said I wanted to play Shri Ram. He auditioned me and rejected me outright,” Govil revealed.The producers later asked him if he would like to play another character, including Bharat or Lakshman, but Govil declined.“I told them if they didn’t think I was worthy, they could let me go. I didn’t want to play another character,” he said.A few months later, he received an unexpected phone call informing him that the selection committee had changed its decision.Recalling that moment, Govier said he was told, “We’re not going to find a ram like you.”Looking back on the experience, he added: “I am lucky that Ram chose me.”
“There are many versions of Ramayana but its values remain the same”
Govil also spoke about the enduring legacy of the Ramayana, saying that although there are believed to be nearly 300 versions of the epic, its moral foundations have remained unchanged.“The point of view can be different depending on the narration, but it cannot be different from the spirit of Ramayana. Each version ultimately talks about Ram and the nature of Ram. The value system remains the same,” he said.He added that while each adaptation may have its own cinematic language, the essence of the epic should always remain intact.
Arun Govil on playing King Dasarath in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana
Talking about joining Nitesh Tiwari’s film, Govil said returning to the world of Ramayana in the role of King Dasharath was an emotional experience.“Ram’s world has always felt good to me and still does. But this time, I’m playing a different character,” he said.The actor revealed that while playing Dasarath, he was often reminded of his performance as Lord Ram nearly four decades ago.“Whenever I’m on the set, whether Ram is standing in front of me or not, I can still see myself right in front of me,” he shared.
Arun Govil praises Nitesh Tiwari and Namit Malhotra
Govil also praised director Nitesh Tiwari, calling him a calm filmmaker whose calmness influenced the entire team.“He said very little. He conveyed everything quietly through silence,” Govil said.Recalling the atmosphere on set, he added that unlike most big productions, there was little chaos during filming.“Maybe it’s because we are making Ramayana. Everyone, be it actors or technicians, feels the same way. We are united by pride and truth in the story,” he said.The veteran actor also congratulated producer Namit Malhotra, praising his journey from running a humble office to making one of the greatest films in Indian cinema. He also praised the work of DNEG, saying its visuals helped Indian talent gain global recognition.Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey. Playing the role of Lakshman. The two-part epic is scheduled to be released during Diwali 2026 and 2027, while its first official trailer will premiere worldwide on July 24.
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