Veteran actor and politician Arun Govil played Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan in 1987. The show, an episode-wise adaptation of the Indian epic, found massive success - so much so that roads would be empty during its airtime. The actor, once again, is returning to a new adaptation of the epic, this time featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. Only partial glimpses of Arun Govil were shown in the first look introduction of Rama, released on April 2. Wondering what role he plays? Let's find out.
What is Arun Govil's role in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana?
Arun Govil returns to Ramayana, this time as Lord Ram's father, Dasharatha. Eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice his presence in fleeting glimpses from the teaser. Take a look at the still, and then the first-look 'Rama' teaser from Ramayana:
What did Arun Govil say about Ranbir Kapoor cast as Lord Rama?
The veteran actor, speaking to PTI in February, lauded Nitesh Tiwari's version of Ramayana and also praised Ranbir. He said, "The 'Ramayana' by Nitesh Tiwari looks very good. It has been made with a lot of hard work by Nitesh Tiwari, the actors and the entire team. The main actor Ranbir Kapoor is looking very good as Lord Ram. He is a good actor and good human being."
"To play a God, you have to have a good, pure soul, and you have to be a good human being also," Arun Govil had then said.
When Arun Govil spoke about Ramayana comparisons with Adipurush
Arun Govil had also dismissed any attempts to draw parallels between Ramayana and the 2022 film Adipurush, starring Prabhas. He told the same media portal, "There is a lot of difference between 'Ramayana' and 'Adipurush'," he added.
"I finished work on the film long back. The experiences from that film, and with that unit are good for me," he added.
Ramayana also stars Yash, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Sunny Deol in key roles. The first part of Ramayana is slated to release worldwide in IMAX during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 following in Diwali 2027.