Ashutosh Rana talks about losing Ram to Ranbir Kapoor in 'Ramayana', "You think about your enemies.."

Ashutosh Rana recently revealed that he was once approached to play Lord Ram in the upcoming mythological epic Ramayana. The role, now officially going to Ranbir Kapoor, had briefly entered Rana’s orbit before the makers moved in a different direction.

Speaking in an interview, Rana shared that he was in early discussions regarding the part but never pursued it aggressively. He did not mention why the role eventually went elsewhere but hinted that things often play out based on timing and alignment. Though he remained philosophical in his response, fans online were quick to wonder whether the opportunity was a major miss for the actor.

The conversation took a turn when Rana used metaphor to describe his current standing. Referring to life as a play, he said he is portraying the character of Raavan. The comment has since gone viral, with many interpreting it as his way of making peace with not being cast in a role that some believe he would have excelled in.

Adding fuel to the discussion, several social media users have pointed out that Rana’s demeanour, voice and gravitas made him an ideal fit for Lord Ram. The casting of Ranbir Kapoor continues to face scrutiny, and Rana’s comments have only intensified that debate.

In the same interview, Rana explained how people often dwell more on their rivals than their well-wishers. He suggested that this tendency leads one to mirror the traits of those they obsess over. This philosophical take, while thought provoking, also led to speculation that he might be masking disappointment with reflection.

Ramayana is being directed by Nitesh Tiwari and is reportedly being mounted as a two-part saga with a massive budget. Apart from Kapoor, the film features Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol and Lara Dutta in pivotal roles. Rana is not part of the official cast, but his connection to the project has sparked more conversations than anyone anticipated.