A veteran player Arun Govil he also saw the work that changed his life when he went to Grand Ramayana: Pratham Sankalp event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday. The actor, who became a household name after playing Lord Ram in Ramand SagarPictures of the popular television series, she shared her memories of being rejected for the role before being cast.The event was the start of an advertising campaign Nitesh Tiwari‘s Ramayana, which stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram is Sai Pallavi like Sita. Govil is part of the film, but this time he plays King Dasharath, father of Lord Ram.
Arun Govil says he was rejected because of Lord Ram
Speaking at the event, Govil shed light on how the name “Ram” is shaped in everyday life in India.“Ram may be a small word, but it is embedded in our lives. Every level of life we go through and the emotions we express, this word permeates it. We say ‘Hai Ram’, ‘Arre Ram’, ‘Ram Ram’ and ‘Ram duhai’. Everything around us is full of Ram,” he said.The actor then explained how he got to the part that defines his career.Govil recalled that when he learned that Ramanand Sagar was making Ramayan, he approached the producer and said that he wanted to play Lord Ram.“I went to him without thinking about anything else and said I wanted to play Shri Ram. He tried me and I refused,” Govil revealed.The makers later asked if he would be willing to play someone else, including Bharat or Lakshman, but Govil refused.“I told them that if they don’t see me as suitable, they can leave me. I didn’t want another position,” he said.A few months later, he received an unexpected phone call telling him that the selection committee had changed its decision.Recalling that time, Govil said he was told, “We will never find a Ram like you.”Looking back on the incident, she added, “It was my luck that Ram chose me.”
‘There are many versions of the Ramayana, but the principles remain the same’
Govil also spoke about the enduring legacy of the Ramayana, saying that although he believes there are nearly 300 versions of the epic, its moral foundation remains unchanged.“Views may differ according to what they say, but it cannot be different from the spirit of Ramayana. Each model refers to the Ram and the type of Ram. The price structure remains the same,” he said.He said that although each adaptation can have its own cinematic language, the meaning of the epic must remain.
Arun Govil is playing King Dasharath in Nitesh Tiwari’s “Ramayana”.
Talking about joining Nitesh Tiwari’s film, Govil said that returning to the world of Ramayana as King Dasharath was disappointing.“The world of Ram has always listened to me, and it still does. But this time, I was acting differently,” he said.The actor revealed that while portraying Dasharath, he often thought of his portrayal of Lord Ram from four decades ago.“Every time I sit, whether Ram is standing in front of me or not, I see myself in front of me,” he said.
Arun Govil praises Nitesh Tiwari and Namit Malhotra
Govil also praised director Nitesh Tiwari, describing him as a calm filmmaker whose poise touched the entire field.“He says very little. He speaks quietly through silence,” Govil said.Keeping in mind the situation, he added that unlike many big productions, there was little commotion during the shoot.“Perhaps because we were making Ramayana. Every person, be it an actor or an artist, had the same feeling. We were held together by pride in the story and the truth,” he said.The veteran actor also thanked producer Namit Malhotra, praising his journey from a top role to making one of the biggest films in Indian cinema. He also praised the work of DNEG, saying that its visuals have helped Indian talent gain international recognition.Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The two-part epic is slated to release in Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027, while its first trailer will premiere worldwide on July 24.