Ranbir Kapoor's Daughter Raha Becomes Key Inspiration for His Lord Rama Role in Epic 'Ramayana' Film
In a heartfelt revelation, Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor has opened up about how his young daughter Raha profoundly influenced his decision to take on the monumental role of Lord Rama in director Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming cinematic adaptation of the 'Ramayana'. The actor shared these personal insights during an exclusive media interaction following a lavish teaser showcase event in Los Angeles.
Fatherhood and Mythology Intertwine
Speaking to Associated Press, Kapoor expressed how his journey into fatherhood perfectly coincided with this career-defining opportunity. "I was extremely blessed to have this opportunity that coincided with me becoming a father," the actor revealed. "On one side, I am going to work and play Lord Rama, but I am also going home and telling my daughter, Raha, stories about Ramayana."
The actor described the remarkable engagement of his three-year-old daughter with the ancient epic. "Just to see a 3-year-old so engaged and asking me, 'Did you shoot with Lord Hanuman today? Or Sita today? What did you do today?'" he shared, visibly moved by the connection.
Cultural DNA and Universal Appeal
Kapoor elaborated on the deeper significance of his daughter's fascination with the story. "She has so much interest in this story, which tells that this is in our DNA," he explained. "The culture is so seeped into our subconscious that it comes very naturally — the love and interest come very naturally to us."
The actor emphasized the filmmakers' ambition to share this cultural heritage with wider audiences. "We really want that to appeal to a larger audience and a global audience, and really share something that we have believed in for centuries and will continue to believe in for centuries," Kapoor stated, highlighting the project's universal aspirations.
Initial Rejection and Dramatic Change of Heart
In a surprising disclosure at the Los Angeles event, Kapoor confessed that he initially turned down the prestigious role. The actor admitted feeling unprepared to shoulder the responsibility of portraying the revered deity Lord Rama. However, a significant personal development completely altered his perspective.
The birth of his daughter Raha became the transformative catalyst that changed his mind about accepting the role. This revelation adds a deeply personal dimension to his involvement in what promises to be one of Indian cinema's most ambitious projects.
Double Role Confirmation and Star-Studded Cast
Kapoor recently confirmed he will be taking on a dual role in the epic production. Beyond his central portrayal of Lord Rama, the actor will also embody Lord Parshuram, adding another layer of complexity to his performance in this mythological saga.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Lord Parshuram
- Yash as the demon king Ravana
- Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita
- Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman
- Ravi Dubey as Lakshman
Unprecedented Scale and Production Details
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, this two-part cinematic event carries a reported budget of approximately Rs 4,000 crore, making it the most expensive Indian film ever produced. The monumental scale reflects the filmmakers' commitment to doing justice to one of the world's most revered epics.
'Ramayana Part One' is scheduled for theatrical release in October 2026, with the second installment following in 2027. The extended production timeline underscores the meticulous attention to detail and grand vision driving this landmark project.
As anticipation builds for this cinematic interpretation of the ancient epic, Ranbir Kapoor's personal connection to the material through his daughter adds a unique emotional resonance to what promises to be a visually spectacular and culturally significant film event.
