The Ramayana that was shelved: Did you know Salman Khan was set to play Lord Ram, Sonali Bendre Sita?
New Delhi: Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming epic, , has become the talk of the town. The film is this year’s most-anticipated project and movie buffs are waiting with their bated breaths for the release of the film.
But, do you know was once set to play Lord Ram and Sonali Bendre as Sita in an ambitious adaptation of Valmiki’s Ramayana.
So, what happened to the project?
According to reports, the film was supposed to be a large-scale production in the 1990s with Salman Khan playing Lord Ram, Sonali Bendre portraying Goddess Sita and Sohail Khan serving as the director of the film. Actress Pooja Bhatt was also cast in a pivotal role in the film.
The film nearly completed 40 per cent of its filming and Salman even shot several scenes and posed for promotional photographs as Lord Ram, holding the traditional bow and arrow.
However, the film was halted and shelved, not because of creative differences or financial struggles, but due to personal conflicts. During the filming, Sohail and Pooja Bhatt developed a close relationship. She also spoke publicly about potential marriage plans in a 1995 interview.
In an interview with Stardust, she said, “I’m aware of the fact that there are a lot of critics out there who’re already putting a time limit on our relationship. I don’t even want to waste time reacting. Marriage is definitely on my mind, but Sohail is just on the threshold of an exciting, new career as a director and I want to work two more years before deciding on the venue and the menu. We do want a future together. Not just as in the normal culmination of any relationship but in wanting to be together. I want it and so does he. Ours is a relationship that has grown due to various factors – trust, respect, understanding – everything is covered.”
“Ultimately, we know the value of our relationship. But ill-wishers will be ill-wishers. There’ll always be the negative types. Like see, there are lawyers who’ll always pray that people do illegal things or there are divorces, so they can make a living out of it. Voyeurism is a hobby of the world. But I’m mature. I’m not living on anyone else’s terms but my own. Be it professional or personal, or anything. I’m only answerable to myself and I only compromise with myself. As for the rest of the world, they can go to hell,” she added.
Then, Salim Khan stepped in and advised Sohail to step away from the relationship and project’s faith was in a limbo due to the fallout between Sohail Khan and Pooja Bhatt. Salman attempted to mediate and preserve the film, but offended Pooja Bhatt walked out of the project. The film’s entire production came to a full stop.
About Ramayana
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana will release in two parts – Ramayana: Part One and Ramayana: Part Two. The first part of the film will release in international markets on November 6. Currently, makers are eyeing a Diwali, November 8, release for India. The second part will have a Diwali 2027 release.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Kajal Aggarwal, Anupam Kher, Lara Dutta, Kunal Kapoor, and Arun Govil, among others in key roles.