Mumbai, Maharashtra, 7th of August, 2026 : Actress Nikita Rawal has shared her views on the ongoing debate surrounding the casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayan. Speaking during a recent podcast, she said that playing a character as respected as Lord Ram comes with a responsibility that goes beyond acting.
According to Rawal, Lord Ram is more than a mythological figure for millions of Indians. She described him as a symbol of faith, values and righteousness, adding that actors chosen to portray such iconic personalities should understand the emotional connection audiences have with them.
The actress also referred to an old statement made by Ranbir Kapoor in which he had described himself as “a big beef guy.” Rawal questioned whether the actor should address that comment publicly before appearing in the role of Lord Ram, saying many people continue to associate the remark with him.
She suggested that a public apology from Ranbir Kapoor could help reassure those who were offended by his earlier statement. Rawal further urged people who share her opinion to support the online campaign using the hashtag #BoycottRanbirKapoor until, according to her, the actor responds to the issue.
Her comments have sparked fresh discussion across social media platforms. While some users agreed with her argument and felt that actors portraying revered religious figures should be mindful of public sentiment, others defended Ranbir Kapoor, saying an artist’s past personal remarks should not be used to judge their suitability for a fictional role.
During the conversation, Rawal also spoke about the relationship between cinema and public emotions. She said filmmakers and performers should recognise that films based on religious and cultural subjects often carry expectations that go beyond entertainment, making audience trust an important factor.
The debate arrives at a time when Ramayan remains one of the most anticipated Indian film projects. Ever since the cast was announced, the film has attracted widespread attention, with discussions around its creative choices and casting decisions continuing to dominate online conversations.
Although opinions remain divided, Rawal’s remarks have added another layer to the public conversation surrounding the film. As excitement for Ramayan continues to grow, discussions over artistic freedom, public perception and cultural sensitivity are likely to remain in the spotlight.
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