Arun Govil Took Three Months to Accept King Dashrath Role
- Arun Govil portrays King Dashrath in Nitesh Tiwari's film Ramayana.
- The actor took three months to agree to the role after persistent persuasion.
- Govil drew on his past experience as Lord Rama to portray Dashrath.
- The film reached a box office century on its first Monday.
- A sequel to the two-part narrative is planned for 2028.
Ranbir Kapoor plays the role of Lord Ram in this production.
Govil was initially reluctant to accept the offer, telling Variety India that he did not feel the need for the role when it was first presented. He added that he would not have taken the part if he felt it was not right.
Director Nitesh Tiwari was adamant that Govil take the role, and the production team persisted for three months before the actor agreed. He remains well-known for his historic portrayal of Lord Rama in the 1980s.
Production team faced challenges casting the role of Dashrath
The production team informed Govil that while it was easy to sign Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, casting the role of King Dashrath proved difficult. This film, titled Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, is produced on a budget of ₹4,000 crore.
Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, the visual-effects company DNEG, and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations support the production.
Govil draws on past experience as Lord Rama and fatherhood
Arun Govil has the distinction of playing Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Dashrath, having previously played Lakshman in the 1997 film Lav Kush.
Govil said that playing Dashrath was not difficult because he had the character's emotions embedded in his mind from his time playing Lord Ram.
His real-life experience as a father to a 46-year-old son helped him naturally portray the paternal emotions of King Dashrath.
Box office success and special screening of the film
The film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi reached a century in box office collections on its first Monday.
The makers of the film held a special screening in Los Angeles on October 27.
Govil reflects on his legacy and Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal
Govil noted that his performance as Lord Rama remains a touchstone for audiences in North and Central India.
His face still appears on Rama photos sold at melas and tamashas.
He said it feels odd to compare his Rama with Ranbir Kapoor’s because his own portrayal is still alive in people’s hearts and minds.
Future project plans and upcoming sequel
The cast of the first part includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
It is the initial part of a two-part narrative, with the sequel planned for release in 2028.
Govil has not accepted any new projects after this film because he does not want to do anything routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 'I Didn't Want To Do It At All': Arun Govil On Taking 3 Months To Play King Dashrath In Ramayana (ndtv.com)
- Arun Govil who played King Dashrat in Ranbir Kapoor's 'Ramayana' reveals he 'didn't want to do this role': 'Nitesh Tiwari was insistent' (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
- Ramayan (1987 TV series) (Wikipedia — background) (en.wikipedia.org)
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