Arun Govil questions modern-day Ramayan adaptations: 'None of the stars today fit to play Lord Ram'
Veteran actor
, who immortalised the role of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's classic Ramayan, has weighed in on the current wave of mythological remakes, and he isn't holding back. Speaking to NDTV, the revered actor expressed skepticism about modern interpretations and questioned whether today's stars truly embody the spiritual weight of the character.
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'Three-four people have tried recreating it, but they weren't successful,' Govil said. 'I don't think in our lifetime someone should attempt to remake Ramayan.'
Govil believes authenticity, not star power, should lead casting choices
Though he didn't mention any names, Govil's remarks seem to reflect public sentiment around recent adaptations like Adipurush (2023), which cast Prabhas as Ram but faced intense criticism over its dialogues, visual treatment, and perceived lack of reverence.
Despite high expectations and a massive release, the film failed to leave a lasting impact.
In a pointed remark on casting, Govil added, 'When it comes to playing Ram, none of the stars we have today fit the part in my opinion. Maybe someone from outside the industry might be more suitable.'
Arun Govil's old video resurfaces: Muslim family greets 'Shri Ram' at airport
Govil's portrayal of Lord Ram between 1987 and 1988 became a spiritual event in itself, with millions tuning in every Sunday morning on Doordarshan.
His performance, soft-spoken demeanor, and commanding presence set a benchmark that many argue remains unmatched even today.
The timing of his remarks is noteworthy, coinciding with the second phase of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the
in Ayodhya, a monumental spiritual event that reinforces the cultural importance of Ramayan and its characters.
Govil's comments also come just as
gears up to portray Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious film adaptation of Ramayan. Planned as a two-part saga, the project is expected to release on Diwali in 2026 and 2027.
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