{
  "id": 10636217,
  "title": "'This is not a role, it is a responsibility': Ranbir Kapoor on playing Lord Rama",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/this-is-not-a-role-it-is-a-responsibility-ranbir-kapoor-on-playing",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T06:00:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/this-is-not-a-role-it-is-a-responsibility-ranbir-kapoor-on-playing-lord-rama-1.500691649"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ranbir Kapoor turned 44 on Sunday, and the Ramayana team celebrated his birthday by showcasing his transformation into Lord Rama. A five-minute behind-the-scenes video, titled \"This is our Rama,\" premiered on September 28, detailing Kapoor's rigorous preparation for the role. The five-minute clip features Kapoor, director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, co-stars Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey and Arun Govil, among others. Part 1 of the two-part epic is set to release at Diwali. Kapoor's most prominent message in the video was that playing Lord Rama is not a role, but a responsibility. He emphasized that Lord Rama's greatest strength lies in his ability to forgive, rather than his skills with a bow. Kapoor reiterated this sentiment, stating that the essence of the role lies in belief and simplicity. The video provides a glimpse into Kapoor's physical training, on-set filming, and the elaborate blue-screen sequences that brought the world of Ramayana to life. International action director Terry Notary trained Kapoor for the intense action sequences, while stunt professionals from various countries aided in the stunts. Nitesh Tiwari, the director, highlighted the weight of casting for such a revered story and the responsibility that comes with choosing the right actor to portray Rama. Arun Govil, Kapoor's predecessor in the role, praised Ranbir as the closest among contemporary actors to embody the character's essence. Sai Pallavi and Ravie Dubey, Kapoor's co-stars, also spoke about Kapoor's suitability for the part. Kapoor previously acknowledged Govil's influence, expressing that if he could capture even a fraction of Govil's responsibility, beauty, and dignity, he would be grateful. The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, stars Sai Pallavi, Yash as Ravana, and features a stellar cast including Sunny Deol, Ravie Dubey, Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, and Vivek Oberoi, among others. Produced by Prime Focus Studios with assistance from DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, the film boasts a score by the collaborative efforts of AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Sony Pictures handles international distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions is responsible for the Hindi-speaking market. The movie is shot in IMAX and will release in multiple languages, with Part 1 hitting theaters worldwide on Diwali this year, followed by Part 2 at Diwali 2027.",
  "summary": "Dubai: Ranbir Kapoor turned 44 on Sunday, and the makers of Ramayana marked it by showing everyone how he became Lord Rama. A five-minute behind-the-scenes video, titled This is our Rama, was released on 28 September, tracing the actor's preparation for the role. It features director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra and co-stars Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey and Arun Govil, alongside Ranbir…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "‘Rana, you are mine, blessed’: Neetu Kapoor wishes son Ranbir Kapoor on 44th birthday",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/rana-you-are-mine-blessed-neetu-kapoor-wishes-son-ranbir-kapoor-on",
        "published": "2026-09-28T07:31:44.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "From Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana to Shah Rukh Khan's King and Abu Dhabi-filmed Dune: Top 10 biggest year-end movies of 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/from-ranbir-kapoors-ramayana-to-shah-rukh-khans-king-and-abu-dhabi",
        "published": "2026-09-28T10:25:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}