**Shocking Revelations: Why Big Stars Refused to Work with Ranbir Kapoor in “Ramayana”**
The highly anticipated Bollywood film “Ramayana” has stirred up quite the controversy, with multiple actors reportedly declining to work alongside Ranbir Kapoor. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra recently made explosive revelations about the film’s casting challenges on a podcast, particularly regarding the role of Lord Lakshman.
Chhabra disclosed that several prominent actors refused to play the part of Lakshman opposite Ranbir Kapoor, who has been cast as Lord Ram. The reason? Many felt that Ranbir’s acting prowess would overshadow their own performances, making it a daunting task to match his level. Known for delivering captivating performances in films like *Rockstar*, *Animal*, *Tamasha*, and *Barfi*, Ranbir has earned a reputation as one of Bollywood’s most talented stars. It seems this very talent is what caused hesitation among actors who feared being outshone.
In the podcast, Chhabra explained, “Nitesh Bhai [director Nitesh Tiwari] had decided to cast Ranbir very early in the process, and once you watch the film, you will see why. It’s such a perfect casting. I think the actors I’ve worked with the most in my career are Ranbir and Rajkummar Rao. Nobody can beat Ranbir when it comes to acting.”
The actors who were approached for the role of Lakshman reportedly believed that it would be challenging to play opposite Ranbir’s Lord Ram without being overshadowed. Lakshman’s character, while significant, is one of a supportive figure whose admiration for his brother, Lord Ram, is central to the narrative. Many of the actors felt that playing this “simple and straightforward” character required a delicate balance, as they would need to convey admiration for Ram without being overshadowed by the lead role.
Chhabra further shared that casting Lakshman proved difficult because of this dynamic. He noted that while the character requires dignity, the actor must not dominate interactions, as Lakshman’s key trait is his loyalty and reverence for his brother. The process of finding the right actor for the part involved multiple auditions, but eventually, a fresh face from television was selected for the role.
“We have finalized a new face for Lakshman,” Chhabra revealed. “Many actors auditioned for the role, but I’m very happy with the actor we’ve chosen. This is going to be his first film in Bollywood. He is a lovely guy, and we couldn’t have found a better Lakshman.”
As for the role of Lord Hanuman, Chhabra shared that they’ve locked in a renowned actor, though the name has not been officially announced yet.
Despite these casting hurdles, the excitement for *Ramayana* remains high. Chhabra is confident that the chosen actors will bring the mythological characters to life in a way that stays true to the epic’s spirit. According to the casting director, the chemistry between the actors will play a crucial role in making the film a success.
While the shoot for this magnum opus remains shrouded in secrecy, Mukesh Chhabra’s revelations have heightened the buzz surrounding the film. The team has wrapped up major parts of the filming, and fans are eagerly awaiting more glimpses of the project.
Interestingly, *Zoom* was the first media outlet to share exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the sets of *Ramayana*, adding to the anticipation. As the film nears completion, Bollywood enthusiasts are keeping a close eye on every update.
This casting controversy has only fueled excitement for *Ramayana*, which promises to be one of the biggest releases in recent times. The film’s grand scale, combined with the stellar casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, sets the stage for what could be an epic retelling of India’s beloved mythological tale.
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