The creators of Nitesh Tiwari‘s Ramayana hosted the grand event Ramayana: Pratham Sankalp at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday where Ranbir Kapoor paid a heartfelt tribute to the veteran actor Arun Govilwho immortalized the role of Lord Ram a Ramanand Sagarthe iconic television series.The event marked the start of the promotional campaign for the long-awaited two-part epic and brought together the film’s cast and crew.During the event, Ranbir addressed Arun Govil with an emotional speech, acknowledging the veteran actor’s lasting impact on generations of viewers.Rather than comparing himself to Govil’s legendary portrayal, Ranbir said he considers it an inspiration and hopes to carry forward the values the actor brought to the role.“Arun ji, you have played this responsibility for so many years with such beauty, truth and dignity,” said Ranbir.He added, “Your journey has inspired not just an actor like me, but every person who watched Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan. You gave people faith and inspiration.”Ranbir admitted that he would consider his efforts successful if he could capture even a small part of Govil’s performance.“The way you allowed Lord Shri Ram to become part of you, if I can achieve even a fraction of that, I will feel that all my hard work has paid off.” The actor also talked about growing up watching Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan.“Since childhood, I have grown up carrying Shri Ram’s blessings, his teachings and your face in my heart,” he said.Concluding his tribute, Ranbir added, “We love you like one of our own. Thank you for everything sir.”Interestingly, Arun Govil is also a part of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. While he famously played Lord Ram in the 1987 TV adaptation, he will now play King Dasharath, Lord Ram’s father, in the upcoming film.
The trailer of Ramayana will be released on 24th July
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.The two-part epic is being shot for IMAX, with the first part slated for a Diwali 2026 release and the second part arriving during Diwali 2027.The first official trailer of the film will be released worldwide on July 24.