Mukesh Khanna's Concerns With Ranbir Kapoor's Casting In 'Ramayana,' 'Ram Can't Look Like Raavan..'

Shaktimaan fame, Mukesh Khanna has recently dominated the headlines with his controversial remarks and revelations. The senior actor recently hit out at Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Singh, and even her respected father, Shatrughan Sinha. Now, it seems Mukesh has set his sights on Ranbir Kapoor as he voices his concern about the actor being cast as the pious figure, 'Lord Ram' in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming movie, Ramayana. 

Mukesh Khanna says people are ruining his reputation just because he speaks his mind

Actor, Mukesh Khanna is no stranger to movies based on religious epics, having gained notoriety for playing 'Bhisma' in Mahabharata. Well, in a candid chat with Mid-Day, the actor was asked for his thoughts on Ranbir Kapoor bringing the character of 'Lord Ram' to life in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film, Ramayana. 

Mukesh initially hesitated to answer the question as he said people would bash him for giving his opinion about 'everyone and everything.' According to the senior actor, his reputation had already been maligned because many didn't like his tendency to speak his mind. Mukesh said:

"I won't say anything about this, if I do, they'll accuse me of commenting about everyone and everything. They've ruined my reputation. I recently commented about Jackie Shroff's son… I'm not rude, but I speak my mind. If they're making a Ramayana, comparisons with Arun Govil will be inevitable."

Mukesh Khanna cryptically calls Ranbir Kapoor a 'lampat chhichhora' while discussing who should play 'Ram'

Further in the interview, Mukesh Khanna was asked if he deemed any other actor fit to play the pious character on-screen. The Amaanat actor stated that Arun Govil, who played 'Lord Ram' in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan, was the 'gold standard.' Mukesh didn't name any star but cryptically stated that someone playing 'Ram' shouldn't be a 'lampat chhichhora' in real life. In his words:

"What Arun Govil did with the role has become the gold standard. All I can say is that whoever plays Ram must embody Ram, he shouldn't look like Raavan. In their real life, if they are a lampat chhichhora, then it will show on screen. If you're playing Ram, you're not allowed to party and drink. But who am I to decide who plays Ram?"

Mukesh Khanna believes Ranbir Kapoor's Animal will influence the audience's perception of him as 'Lord Ram'

Mukesh Khanna then went on to cite the example of Prabhas. The actor stated that despite Prabhas being a huge star, the audience hadn't warmed to him as 'Lord Ram' simply because he didn't look the part. Mukesh further stated that the same thing could happen to the 'beacon of the Kapoor family.' Mukesh can be quoted as saying:

"He (Prabhas) wasn't accepted by the public, despite being such a huge star. Not because he's a bad actor, but because he doesn't look like Ram… The actor playing Ram now is the beacon of the Kapoor family. He's a fine actor… But I will look at his face, and he should look like Ram. He's just done Animal, and his negative personality was highlighted in that movie. I hope that doesn't disturb this."

More on Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor

Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming movie, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi as the religious figures 'Ram' and 'Sita,' respectively. Reports have also emerged about the makers roping in Sunny Deol to take on the role of 'Hanuman.' However, these rumours are yet to be officially confirmed. The film will be released in two parts, with the first hitting theatres on Diwali 2026 and the sequel on Diwali 2027.

What do you think about Mukesh Khanna's comment about Ranbir Kapoor portraying 'Lord Ram'?

Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee Recalls Nearly Losing His Life Beacuse Of Manav Kaul, 'We All Thought It's The End..'

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