'Ramayana': Ranbir Kapoor reveals he first REJECTED Lord Rama role; says film and becoming a father to Raha Kapoor was a 'turning point'

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor headed to New York on Tuesday for the next leg of 'Ramayana' film promotions ahead of the 'Rama' first glimpse launch. Kapoor began the event at an NYC theatre with a chant of “Jai Shri Ram”, before taking the stage with director Nitesh Tiwari and Namit Malhotra.

Dressed in all-white, the actor got candid about taking on the role of a lifetime to play Lord Rama in the epic. When asked about his prep to play the part, RK shared, "I think, for me the preparation started the day I saw Ramanand Sagar's ‘Ramayana’. It is so etched in our consciousness and so deeply rooted in us that we are so proud of the story and Lord Rama's journey."





Ranbir Kapoor on his prep to play Lord Rama

Speaking about stepping into the role, Kapoor shared, "When I had the opportunity to essay him, of course, there is a lot of preparation, not just physical, it's emotional and spiritual. It's about understanding it and being very truthful." He went on to quote producer Namit Malhotra, and said, "'Lord Rama is loved by billions around the world for centuries and he will continue long after we have gone'. I have a lot of love and respect for this part and the story of Ramayana, so when you have that inbuilt, everything falls into place."






Ranbir Kapoor reveals he first rejected 'Ramayana' roleThe actor also shared that he initially rejected the role of Lord Rama. Recalling his hesitation, he said, "I remember when Namit offered me this part around 4 years ago, my instant reaction was ‘No’, I'm not fit enough, not good enough and I won't be able to do full justice."

Ranbir Kapoor on playing Lord Ram after becoming a father

However, reflecting on the co-incidence of the film offer and the happy news about becoming a dad to daughter Raha Kapoor, he shared, "That fear very quickly turned into gratitude because opportunities like this was needed very much in my life. I was in a period in my life where I needed to change my life and lifestyle. I became a father for the first time. I think the sweet coincidence of playing lord Ram and becoming a father was needed for a turning point in my life."



Namit Malhotra teases grandure of 'Ramayana'



At the event, Namit, who is backing the visual effects of the film, shared, "'Ramayana' has the scale of 'The Lord of the Rings', the creature work on par with 'Avatar', and the humanity and emotion of a 'Gladiator'."



The NYC event that began with chants to Lord Ram, also ended with the audience and team Ramayana chanting "Jai Sri Ram!""



The US leg of promotions is part of team 'Ramayana's global rollout. The stars will launch the film's first glimpse on Thursday, April 2, on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”