Ranbir Kapoor had instantly rejected the role of Lord Rama in Ramayana, 4 years ago: ‘Becoming a father…’

Only one day to go for fans to finally see the first glimpses of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama in the upcoming magnum opus, Ramayana. Ahead of the teaser launch, Ranbir Kapoor talked about being part of the project helmed by filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari. He joined Tiwari and the film producer Namit Malhotra at a special screening in Los Angeles, where first glimpses were screened to a limited number of people.

Why Ranbir Kapoor turned down Ramayana offer

Answering questions, Ranbir Kapoor revealed why he initially turned down the film offer. However, he shared that things changed once he became a father and had his daughter Raha Kapoor in his life.

Ranbir Kapoor said, as per News18, “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."

Raha changed Ranbir Kapoor

Kapoor said his fear vanished once he became a father to Raha. He added that he realised he needed to change his lifestyle.

Ranbir Kapoor added, explaining, “That fear very quickly turned into gratitude because opportunities like this were 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 Rama and becoming a father was needed for a turning point in my life."

Talking about his intense prep for the role, Kapoor also said, “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."

“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. 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," he shared.

Ramayana event in LA

Ramayana also stars Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita. While Sunny Deol will essay the role of Lord Hanuman, Kannada star Yash will play Ravana. Ravie Dubey will appear as Lakshman alongside Ranbir's Lord Rama.

At the LA event, Ranbir Kapoor was seen shaking hands and thanking fans while interacting. Several videos from the venue have gone viral. In one of them, he is heard saying, “Thanks for coming here. This is really a very special moment for me to come with our labour of love and to show it to you all. You guys are actually the absolute first people to ever see this, and we couldn’t be happier.”

Ramayana release date

Ramayana is a two-part film. Ramayana Part 1 will release worldwide in theatres in October, on the occasion of Diwali 2026. Ramayana Part 2 is expected to hit the theatre screens in 2027.