Arun Govil opens up on his deep connection with Ramayan ahead of the grand consecration in Ayodhya

Arun Govil is widely remembered by the audience for his role of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's iconic television show Ramayan.

By: Entertainment Desk

New Delhi | Updated: January 23, 2024 03:29 PM IST

3 min read

Arun Govil is best known for playing the role of Lord Ram in Ramayan. (Photo: Arun Govil/Instagram)

Actor Arun Govil has reached Ayodhya ahead of the consecration of Ram Lalla in the Ram Mandir on January 22. As someone who is considered one of the first and most impactful stars to play Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic show Ramayan, the actor shared that he has a deep connection with Ramayan since childhood.

In an interview with Doordarshan, Govil said that coming from a middle-class household, Ramayan was read daily in his house and his mother encouraged him to read the text on his own. He recalled finding it difficult to comprehend the meaning of the text since it was written in Awadh. He also fondly remembered how his family would come together in the morning and evening to pray.

Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan aired on DD National from 1987 till 1988. Actor Ashok Kumar was the narrator of the show. In the show, while Arun Govil played the role of Ram, Dipika Chikhlia and Sunil Lahri played the role of Goddess Sita and Lord Laxman, respectively.

During the interview, Govil also shared that he was strongly influenced by the qualities of his character while shooting for the show. When Ramanand Sagar approached the actor to play the part, he insisted on playing Ram, since he had formed a deep connection with Ramayan during his childhood and formative years.

Arun Govil, Sunil Lahri and Dipika Chikhlia in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan. (Photo: Express Archives)

Also Read | Ramayan stars Arun Govil, Dipika Chikhlia, Sunil Lahri reach Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir Pran Prtishtha ceremony

The actor said that playing the role of Lord Ram helped him develop courage, motivation and strength, and made him worthy of playing the character.

The 66-year-old actor, who was in his 30s when he took up the role of Lord Ram in the television show, revealed that he is currently involved in a film based around Ram temple. The movie titled 695 will release on January 19, 2024, ahead of the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

Arun Govil, along with Dipika Chikhlia and Sunil Lahri, have also shot for a song tited Humare Ram Aayenge, which is sung by Sonu Nigam.

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