Who Can Portray Lord Ram on Screen? Arun Govil Gives a Direct Answer

KKN Gurugram Desk | The face of Lord Ram on Indian television for millions, Arun Govil, remains a name synonymous with faith, dignity, and devotion. As modern filmmakers revisit mythological epics with lavish productions and new-age actors, a question continues to dominate public discourse: Who can do justice to the role of Lord Ram today?

Govil, now a BJP Member of Parliament from Meerut, has finally responded—with clarity, humility, and caution.

 “In Our Lifetime, No One Should Attempt to Recreate Ramayan” — Arun Govil

Speaking to NDTV in a recent interview, Arun Govil said,

“Several actors have tried to recreate Ramayan, but none succeeded. I don’t believe anyone should attempt this again while we are still alive.”

Govil was referring to the multiple modern adaptations of the epic that failed to resonate with audiences—especially when compared to the 1987-1988 televised classic, which had become a spiritual ritual in Indian households.

He added that while today’s actors are technically sound and capable, none have truly captured the soul of Lord Ram, a character rooted in purity, righteousness, and restraint.

 The Original ‘Ramayan’: A Legacy Still Untouched

Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, aired on Doordarshan from 1987 to 1988, was not just a TV show—it was a national phenomenon. Every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM, families across India would pause their routines to witness 78 episodes of dharma, devotion, and divine storytelling.

Arun Govil’s portrayal of Maryada Purushottam Ram left such a deep cultural impact that even today, he is revered as “Ram Ji” in public appearances and political rallies.

 Ranbir Kapoor to Play Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s Upcoming Ramayan

The context of Govil’s remarks gains added weight amid the buzz around Ranbir Kapoor preparing to play Lord Ram in filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film—titled Ramayan. The film is reportedly being developed as a two-part cinematic experience:

• Part 1 scheduled for Diwali 2026

• Part 2 expected in 2027

The film also stars Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, according to early reports. The project aims to present a visually grand and emotionally authentic retelling of the ancient epic.

The Ghost of Adipurush: Modern Failures in Mythological Adaptation

Govil’s remarks also appear to be a response to the failure of ‘Adipurush’, which starred Prabhas as Lord Ram. The film, despite its massive budget and anticipation, flopped at the box office and drew backlash for:

• Questionable dialogues

• Weak screenplay

• Inappropriate character design

• Misrepresentation of sacred figures

The backlash was so intense that even the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had to get involved in post-release damage control.

 Govil: “Maybe Someone Outside the Film Industry Can Truly Embody Ram”

In one of the interview’s most reflective moments, Govil said:

“If you’re looking for someone to truly portray Lord Ram, maybe you’ll have to find him outside the industry. The current crop of actors is technically sound, but perhaps not spiritually aligned for this role.”

This comment speaks volumes about Govil’s spiritual interpretation of the character, and why skill alone isn’t enough to portray divine figures from India’s sacred epics.

Why the Role of Lord Ram Is Not Just Another Performance

Unlike typical cinematic characters, Lord Ram is a deeply revered deity, especially for Hindus. Any portrayal must respect the following values:

• Truth and Dharma

• Non-violence and Patience

• Compassion and Leadership

Govil’s concern isn’t about actor popularity—it’s about emotional and spiritual credibility. His portrayal succeeded not just because of talent but because of personal alignment with the character’s virtues.

 Legacy of Arun Govil’s Ram: More Than Just Acting

Even 35 years later, Govil’s version of Lord Ram remains etched in the cultural consciousness of India. His character was:

• Graceful and Stoic

• Firm yet Gentle

• Spiritual but Human

He received letters in blood, was worshipped in temples, and people touched his feet in public—a rare case of art transcending fiction and entering divinity.

 Public Sentiment: Tradition vs Technology

The debate now expands beyond actors—it touches on broader questions:

• Should ancient epics be modernized?

• Can VFX replace devotion?

• Is it art if it offends faith?

A significant portion of the Indian public still believes that mythology cannot be handled like regular commercial cinema. And Govil’s voice echoes that sentiment.

What Lies Ahead for Mythological Cinema in India?

With Ranbir Kapoor stepping into this sacred space, the stakes are high. Director Nitesh Tiwari, known for Dangal, has promised to stay faithful to the source material.

Industry insiders confirm:

• Extensive research and consultation with scholars

• A focus on scriptural accuracy

• A vow to maintain emotional depth over digital gimmicks

Yet, whether this upcoming Ramayan will match the spiritual impact of its 1987 predecessor remains uncertain.

Arun Govil’s remarks are not just personal opinions; they reflect the collective sentiment of generations of Indians who grew up with one image of Lord Ram. As filmmakers experiment with technology and narrative styles, the responsibility to honor culture, emotion, and belief systems becomes heavier than ever.

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