run Govil’s association with Ramayana has come full circle, but returning to the legendary epic was not an immediate decision for the veteran actor. Best remembered for portraying Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series, Govil now plays King Dashrath, the father of Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s cinematic adaptation. Interestingly, the actor has revealed that it took him almost three months to accept the role.
In an exclusive conversation with Variety India, Govil admitted that he initially had no intention of playing Dashrath. However, director Nitesh Tiwari remained determined to bring him on board, eventually convincing the actor to become part of the ambitious project.
Why Arun Govil Initially Refused King Dashrath
Talking about the casting decision, Govil revealed that he did not immediately see a reason to accept the offer. The makers, particularly Tiwari, continued approaching him and insisted that he was the right person for the character.
Recalling the experience, the actor said, “It took me almost three months to say yes.” He also explained that the makers joked about how signing Yash and Ranbir Kapoor had been easier than convincing the actor to portray Dashrath.
The persistence eventually worked, and Govil agreed to take on the role. His casting also creates a meaningful connection between the new film and Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, which remains one of Indian television’s most memorable mythological productions.
From Lord Rama to King Dashrath
Interestingly, Govil revealed that understanding Dashrath was not particularly difficult because he had already developed an emotional understanding of the character while playing Lord Rama decades ago.
He explained that Dashrath’s feelings were always present in his understanding of Rama’s emotional journey. His own experience as a father also helped him connect with the character’s paternal emotions.
Govil further described Dashrath as a king who cannot openly express every emotion. Even when his heart breaks over Rama’s exile, he must maintain the dignity and responsibilities of his position. This restrained approach was important to Govil’s portrayal.
The actor has also played Lakshman in the 1997 film Lav Kush, giving him the unusual distinction of portraying three important characters associated with the epic: Rama, Lakshman and Dashrath.
What to Expect From Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, with Govil portraying King Dashrath. The film is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation, bringing one of India’s most celebrated epics to a large international audience.
Govil’s casting is particularly significant because audiences still associate him strongly with Lord Rama. His transition into the role of Rama’s father offers a symbolic connection between the television classic and the new big-screen adaptation.
With the actor revealing how much convincing it took to bring him aboard, his appearance as Dashrath has become another interesting talking point surrounding the film.
