Hyderabad: Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi’s ‘Ramayana’ is one of the highly-anticipated upcoming films, with an ensemble cast portraying different mythological characters.
Ranbir and Sai play Ram and Sita, Yash plays Ravana in the film, while the character of Surpanakha (Ravana’s sister) is being portrayed by Rakul Preet Singh.
However, according to an ETimes report, it was Priyanka Chopra — not Rakul — who was supposed to play the character of ‘Surpanakha’ in the film.
A source told ETimes that while Priyanka was the first choice for the role, she couldn’t come on board because of her other work commitments. The role then went to Rakul Preet.
“Surpanakha is one of the main reasons the Ramayan took place. The makers were keen on having Priyanka Chopra for the same role. But things didn’t work out owing to her packed schedule with international projects. That’s when Rakul came on board. She fitted the role perfectly and brought intensity and a fresh take to the character,” the source was quoted as saying by ETimes.
Priyanka will be next seen in SS Rajamouli’s Mahesh Babu starrer upcoming film.
Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ also features Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Laxman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodri and Lara Dutta as Kakeyi.
The film will be released in two parts. Ramayana Part 1 will be released during Diwali 2026, and Ramayana Part 2 on Diwali 2027.
