Ranbir Kapoor wants daughter Raha to learn the Ramayana’s values: ‘Alia and I always tell her stories’
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Ranbir Kapoor discusses the immense pressure and lack of creative freedom in portraying Lord Rama in the new film Ramayana: Part One. Alongside co-star Sai Pallavi, he highlights the film's technical scale and his hope that his daughter, Raha, learns the epic's moral values.
The Weight of Divinity: Ranbir Kapoor on Playing Lord Rama
As Ramayana: Part One hits theaters worldwide on November 5, the cinematic adaptation of India's most revered epic has become a focal point of cultural and artistic discussion. For lead actor Ranbir Kapoor, stepping into the role of Lord Rama has been an experience defined less by creative liberty and more by profound responsibility. Kapoor has openly admitted that portraying a deity worshipped by millions leaves almost no room for personal interpretation or artistic deviation, as the expectation of the audience is rooted in deep-seated devotion and cultural fidelity.
Navigating the Boundaries of Mythological Adaptation
Unlike contemporary roles that allow for spontaneous improvisation or modern stylistic choices, playing a figure from an ancient text requires a disciplined adherence to the source material. In discussions with the BBC Asian Network, Kapoor and co-star Sai Pallavi, who portrays Sita, reflected on the inherent challenges of this project. They noted that the primary objective is to remain faithful to the original narrative, which necessitates overcoming personal fears and insecurities to balance the human elements of the character with the divine stature expected by the faithful.
Technical Ambition and Visual Spectacle
Beyond the thematic weight, the film seeks to push the boundaries of Indian cinema through its technical execution. In a recent interview with Fandango, Kapoor and co-star Yash highlighted the film's visually ambitious sequences. These include the intense battle between Rama and Jatayu, as well as the complex depiction of Ravana’s ten heads. Kapoor specifically praised the international stunt and action teams, including industry veterans Guy Norris and Terry Notary, whose expertise was instrumental in scaling these legendary moments for a global audience.
The Personal Connection: Parenting and Moral Legacy
For Kapoor, this project is not merely a professional milestone but a deeply personal endeavor. He has shared that the timing of this role coincided with his journey into fatherhood. Alongside his wife, Alia Bhatt, Kapoor has been sharing stories from the Ramayana with their daughter, Raha. He expressed a sincere desire for his daughter to consume this version of the epic, viewing it as a medium for moral education. Raha’s involvement—having visited the sets and even observed scenes with the cast—highlights the familial significance of the production.
Future Implications for Indian Mythology on Screen
The release of Ramayana: Part One signals a shift in how Indian studios approach mythological epics. By balancing high-budget, international-standard action sequences with a grounded, respectful approach to the source material, the film sets a new benchmark. Kapoor’s candidness regarding the lack of creative freedom serves as a testament to the evolving expectations of Indian audiences, who demand high production values while simultaneously insisting on strict adherence to cultural and religious iconography. This film is likely to influence how future directors and actors navigate the delicate intersection of creative ambition and historical reverence.
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