Ranbir Kapoor left this legendary singer’s biopic for Ramayana; Anurag Basu says it was a ‘tough choice’

Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana and the decision led to him stepping away from a singer's biopic, says Anurag Basu.

Ranbir Kapoor is all set to take on the role of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious two-part epic Ramayana, releasing on Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027. But the decision came at the cost of another major project — the long-awaited biopic on legendary singer Kishore Kumar, which has been in development for over a decade.

It was very difficult choice for Ranbir, says Anurag Basu

Anurag Basu confirms Ranbir Kapoor's decision to prioritise Ramayana while expressing hope that the long-awaited Bollywood singer's biopic will proceed.

Director Anurag Basu, who was slated to direct the biopic, confirmed in a recent interview with BBC News that Ranbir had to choose between the two projects due to scheduling conflicts. “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,” said Basu.

Ranbir and Basu have previously worked together on critically acclaimed films like Barfi (2012) and Jagga Jasoos (2017). Both have expressed a strong desire to collaborate again, but their packed schedules have made it difficult. “We keep trying to work together, but it’s just not happening,” Basu added.

Anurag Basu directed Metro... In Dino premiered theatrically on July 4 to positive responses for its ensemble cast and layered storytelling. Anurag’s next film starring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, tentatively titled Aashiqui 3, was originally aimed for Diwali 2025, but now looks more likely for early 2026, according to industry reports.