Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated mythological epic, Ramayana, has been making waves ever since producer Namit Malhotra teased its first look a few days ago. The film, slated for a Diwali 2026 release, marks a historic milestone in Ranbir Kapoor’s career as he transforms into ‘Lord Ram’, opposite South star Yash as ‘Ravan’. Amid all the excitement surrounding this massive-budget film, a chapter from the past has resurfaced regarding the making and casting of Ramayana.
Long before Ranbir Kapoor was cast in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, the role of ‘Lord Ram’ was set for Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Yes! Bhaijaan had already picked up the bow and arrow, but an off-screen blunder involving his brother, Sohail Khan, cost him what could have been one of his most iconic roles.
Salman Khan was supposed to be the first ‘Ram’ in Ramayana
The incident dates back to the early 1990s, when Sohail Khan, hot off his directorial debut, Auzaar, was ready with his next ambitious project, a Bollywood adaptation of Ramayana. He had big plans for the film and an even bigger cast. His brother, Salman Khan, who was already a rising superstar at that time, was roped in to play ‘Lord Ram’, and Sonali Bendre as ‘Goddess Sita’.
