Casting director Mukesh Chhabra opened up about selecting actors for director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana adaptation, and offered his opinion about Raavan. The character, often represented as the antagonist in the Hindu epic, is rumoured to being played by KGF star Yash. Mukesh also spoke about Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Lord Rama, revealed that they’ve selected a beloved star for the role of Hanuman, and a TV actor for the role of Lakshman.
Appearing on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Mukesh was asked to describe the character traits that he was focusing on while casting the role of Raavan, and whether ‘evil’ was one of them. He said, “Yaar woh bhi toh pyaar mein hi they na (He was also in love, wasn’t he)?” Mukesh said, adding, “He wanted revenge, but he was in love as well. As far as I understand Raavan, he was evil and vengeful, but his revenge was driven by love for his sister. He had to do what he had to do for his sister. Woh bhi apni taraf se theek they (He was right in his own way). In war, both sides believe they’re on the right side. But ultimately, Raavan was driven by love.”
Also read – Several actors refused to play Lakshman opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Ramayana, reveals Mukesh Chhabra: ‘Nobody can beat him when it comes to acting’
Years ago, actor Saif Ali Khan found himself in a soup after saying that he will present a ‘humane’ version of Raavan in the film Adipurush. “It’s interesting to play a demon king, less strictures in that. But we will make him humane, up the entertainment quotient, justify his abduction of Sita and the war with Ram as revenge for what was done to his sister Surpanakha by Lakshman, who cut off her nose,” he told mid-day in a 2020 interview. Saif later retracted his comment and apologised for it following backlash. “I’ve been made aware that one of my statements during an interview, has caused a controversy and hurt people’s sentiments. This was never my intention or meant that way. I would like to sincerely apologise to everybody and withdraw my statement,” he said.
Adipurush opened to toxic reviews and major controversy in 2023. Mukesh Chhabra admitted that everybody working on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is committed to not making any mistakes. “I’m terrified of speaking about Ramayana, because of how things are in our country these days,” he said.
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