Ranbir Kapoor calls playing Ram a responsibility

Ranbir Kapoor has described playing Lord Ram in the film Ramayana as a responsibility, saying in a behind-the-scenes video released by the filmmakers that he sees forgiveness as one of the character’s defining strengths. Director Nitesh Tiwari said in the same video that Kapoor was his choice after producer Namit Malhotra raised the actor’s name, adding that Kapoor met the qualities he was looking for. The video, released around Kapoor’s birthday, features the actor and members of the cast discussing the casting and their approaches to the story. Kapoor said he did not regard the part as simply an exciting film role. He said his focus was on respecting the faith audiences place in the story, rather than proving himself worthy of the role. Kapoor also referred to Arun Govil’s earlier portrayal of Lord Ram in the television series Ramayan, calling it iconic. Govil is set to play Dasharatha in the film. His casting brings together an actor associated with the earlier television adaptation and Kapoor, who will portray Ram in the new production.