Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan: A Timeless Classic
Who isn’t familiar with Ramanand Sagar’s legendary Ramayan, which aired on Doordarshan? Even today, audiences love watching this mythological masterpiece. Actor Arun Govil became a household name for portraying Lord Ram in the series. His performance was so impactful that people still recognize him as Ram from Ramayan.
However, do you know that after the success of the Ramayan TV serial, Arun Govil faced immense struggles in his acting career? Here’s the full story.
The Impact of Ramayan on Arun Govil’s Career
Playing Lord Ram brought Arun Govil immense fame and love from audiences across the nation. His portrayal was so convincing that people began to see him as the real-life incarnation of Lord Ram. The show became a massive hit, leading to multiple retelecasts on Doordarshan. However, ironically, this success became a roadblock in his professional journey.
In an interview, Arun Govil revealed that despite gaining enormous recognition, he stopped getting offers in films. The industry seemed hesitant to cast him in any other role.
Filmmakers Hesitated to Offer Roles
Arun Govil further explained that producers and directors were unsure about casting him in different roles. They would often ask, “What role can we offer you? Audiences only see you as Lord Ram.” This typecasting severely impacted his career, preventing him from exploring diverse roles for many years.
To keep his career going, Arun Govil turned to television and even experimented with grey-shaded characters. However, after some time, he questioned his choices and felt lost in his acting journey. Eventually, things started improving, and he found his way back into the industry.
Arun Govil’s Film Career Before Ramayan
The Ramayan TV series premiered in 1987, but Arun Govil had already made a mark in Bollywood before that. He had acted in several Hindi films, including:
- Paheli
- Judaai
- Ram Tera Desh
- Karma Yudh
- Himmatwala
- Badal
However, post-Ramayan, his film opportunities dwindled. During his struggling phase, he worked in Bhojpuri, Tamil, and Bengali films to sustain his career. In 2007, after a 16-year gap, he made a remarkable comeback in Hindi cinema with Akshay Kumar’s film Oh My God 2.
Arun Govil’s Return to Ramayan Once Again
Now, Arun Govil is set to return to the Ramayan universe. This time, he will portray King Dasharatha in Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming Ramayan film. It’s a full-circle moment for the veteran actor, proving his timeless connection to the epic saga.
