Ranbir Kapoor initially rejected Lord Rama's role in Ramayana; here’s how daughter Raha changed his mind

On Tuesday, Ranbir Kapoor, along with director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra, attended an event for their upcoming film Ramayana in New York.

The excitement around Ranbir Kapoor bringing the story of Lord Rama to life on the big screen with Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is at an all-time high. However, there was a time when the actor instantly rejected the role. Now, Ranbir has admitted that he was initially scared to take it on, and also revealed what ultimately changed his decision.

Ranbir Kapoor was seen clicking selfies with fans after the New York event.

Ranbir Kapoor on saying no to Ramayana

On Tuesday, Ranbir, along with director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra, attended an event for their upcoming film Ramayana in New York. It came after they unveiled the first glimpse of the film in Los Angeles.

During a conversation at the event, Ranbir revealed that he had initially turned down the project and went on to share what ultimately changed his mind and led him to come on board.

Looking back at his hesitation, Ranbir said, "I remember when Namit offered me this part around 4 years ago, my instant reaction was ‘No’, I'm not fit enough, not good enough, and I won't be able to do full justice."

He went on to reflect on the coincidence between the film offer and the news of becoming a father for the first time.

Ranbir shared, “That fear very quickly turned into gratitude because opportunities like this were needed very much in my life. I was in a period in my life where I needed to change my life and lifestyle. I became a father for the first time. I think the sweet coincidence of playing Lord Rama and becoming a father was needed for a turning point in my life."

After dating for several years, Ranbir got married to Alia Bhatt in April 2022. Raha, their first child, was born in November of the same year. Ranbir and Alia surprised their fans by making their first public appearance with Raha on Christmas 2023.

The actor also opened up about how he prepared to get the role just right.

"I think, for me the preparation started the day I saw Ramanand Sagar's Ramayana. It is so etched in our consciousness and so deeply rooted in us that we are so proud of the story and Lord Rama's journey. When I had the opportunity to essay him, of course, there is a lot of preparation, not just physical, it's emotional and spiritual. It's about understanding it and being very truthful. I have a lot of love and respect for this part and the story of Ramayana, so when you have that inbuilt, everything falls into place,” he shared.

What we know about Ramayana

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is one of the most-awaited films of the year. The first, 3-minute glimpse of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana was unveiled on July 3, 2025. The clip came with powerful visuals, including Ranbir climbing a tree and wielding a bow and arrow.

The film also stars Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. Legendary composer Hans Zimmer joins AR Rahman for the music score. Ramayana Part One is set to release worldwide in October 2026, ahead of Diwali. The second part of the film will released in 2027. Recently, Producer Namit Malhotra revealed that a glimpse of the film would be out on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on April 2. It is believed that the new glimpse will offer viewers the looks of Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, Sunny Deol, and Yash in the film.