Ranbir Kapoor said no to Anurag Basu for Kishore Kumar's biopic for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, director recalls his ‘tough choice': ‘It was the right decision'
During a conversation with BBC News, the director opened up about how Ranbir had to choose between the two projects due to clashing schedules. 'Ranbir had a tough choice in life – Kishore Kumar or Ramayana. It was very difficult for him. In the end, he chose Ramayana, and I think it was the right decision,' he said.
Ranbir Kapoor and Anurag Basu have collaborated several times in the past, including Barfi (2012) and Jagga Jasoos (2017). While both have expressed their wish to work together again, their busy schedules have made it hard. 'We keep trying to work together, but it's just not happening,' the director added.
ALSO READ | Ranbir Kapoor is like 'atta', he will come out as a 'phulka' no matter how you mould him, says Ramayana co-star; recalls he stayed in Lord Rama's character on set
After Ranbir turned down the biopic, rumours also suggested that Aamir Khan might step in the role of Kishore Kumar. But, Anurag didn't give any confirmation and told Mid-Day, 'Until everything is finalised and the contract is signed, I don't think I should speak on it. This project has seen many ups and downs over the years. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it happens this time and I go on set with the story, which I've been trying to tell for the last decade. I won't jinx it by speaking about it.'
Besides Ranbir Kapoor, Ramaya also stars Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Arun Govil, Ravi Dubey, and Lara Dutta in key roles. The two-part film is set to hit the theatres on Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027.
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