Updated on: 03 July, 2025 12:58 PM IST |Shweta Shah
Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana is probably the biggest, most awaited project that brings in a spectacular ensemble together. With Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita, fans are excited to see Yash as the menacing Ravan. Ahead of the films first glimpse, heres a look at actors who played Lord Ram before Ranbir Kapoor.
1. Arun Govil
Only boomers in today's era will understand the excitement of the Ramayana screening on Doordarshan every Sunday that brought friends and families together. For that holy hour, the streets of India saw curfew (not literally), and owning a television back in 1986 was considered a big deal.It was Arun Govil, the first Indian actor to portray the role of Lord Ram to life. Playing the lead character of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan, Govil soon became a household name.
So much so, that fans considered him to be the actual God and even worshipped him.
2. Gurmeet Choudhary
Recreating the black-and-white version of Ramayana, Gurmeet Choudhary became a popular face when he imbibed the character of Lord Ram. In 2008, Indian television saw another version of Ramayana with fresh faces and a wider fan base.While the actor played the role of Lord Ram, his wife Debina Bonnerjee portrayed Maa Sita in the TV serial.
3. Nitish Bhardwaj
Nitish Bhardwaj played the character of Lord Ram in Ramayana which was recreated in 2002. However, the actor gained popularity for his portrayal of Lord Krishna in the TV serial Mahabharat.Also Listen: Radio City Original Podcast -Ramayan Rahasya
4. Ashish Sharma
While there are several versions of Ramayana, it was in 2016 that the Indian mythological TV serial saw another point of view. Created from Maa Sita's perspective, Ashish Sharma essayed the role of Lord Ram and soon became a household favorite.
5. Jeetendra
This was as shocking to us as it is to you. Not every Bollywood fan would know Jeetendra's portrayal of Lord Ram on the big screen. It was in Luv Kush where the actor played Lord Ram.The movie was released in 1997 and it also featured Arun Govil in the role of Lord Ram's brother Laxman.
6. Prabhas
In the recent pan-Indian release Adipurush, South superstar Prabhas is seen essaying the role of Lord Ram. The movie narrates the Hindu mythology saga Ramayana.The 2023 release also stars Kriti Sanon as Mata Sita, Sunny Singh as Lakshman, and Devdutta Nage as Lord Hanuman.
7. Ranbir Kapoor
Nitesh Tiwari's modern-day Ramayana will see the Brahmastra actor play Lord Ram. This will be the first time Ranbir will essay the role of a mythological character.
Alongside him, the cast also includes Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita, Ravi Dubey as Laxman, and Yash as Ravan. The first glimpse of Ramayana Part 1 will be out today, on July 3.
