EXCLUSIVE: ‘Vishwamitra’ Ajinkya Deo FIRST Auditioned To Play King Dashrath In Ranbir Kapoor-Led Ramayana; Admits Thinking, “I Won’t Suit That Role”

Ajinkya Deo opens up about his 3.5-year journey with Ramayana, revealing how he initially auditioned for Dashrath before being selected as Vishwamitra. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, the actor recalls doubting whether he would suit the role of Dashrath, but was encouraged by his father to audition for the ambitious project. After months of uncertainty, Deo received the call that he had been chosen to play Vishwamitra instead. He also praised Arun Govil’s casting as Dashrath, calling it a “circle completion” given his iconic portrayal of Ram in the 1987 Ramayan. Scroll down to read the full story and watch the interview.

Ajinkya Deo Reveals He First Auditioned For Dashrath In Ranbir Kapoor Starrer Ramayana

When asked about his experience working in Ramayana, Ajinkya Deo shared, “You know, it’s a funny thing. Yeh around three-and-a-half years ago start hua tha. I think jab meri pehli audition hui thi for Ramayana. And the funny part is that at that time I was auditioning for the role of Dashrath. Ab woh role mere paas aaya aur main kind of, ‘Arre bhai, I won’t suit that role,’ yeh mere mann mein chal raha tha. But of course, it was a big film, and who would not want to do it? Toh maine dad se baat ki. That time, I remember, dad was there. So this is before 2022, so 2021, yaani chaar-paanch saal pehle ki baat hai.”

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He continued, “So he said, ‘Ajinkya, Dashrath is a big character. Don’t be foolish. Just go do the audition.’ So I did the audition, and I sent it away. Uske baad just everything was… I mean, I didn’t hear from anybody. And then finally, after some months — I think, or I don’t know, I don’t remember how much time went in between — I got a call. And they said, ‘Ajinkya sir, aapne woh audition kiya tha, toh you have been selected for Vishwamitra.’ And I was like, ‘Oh wow, that’s superb!’ And of course, the person who is doing Dashrath, Arun Ji— he is the perfect person. I mean, jo casting hui hai na Ramayana ki, woh itni zabardast hui hai.”

Ajinkya: Arun Ji Playing Dashrath Is A Circle Completion

Concluding he shared, “Arun ji playing Dashrath is a circle completion, a circle jinhone Ramayan kiya tha in ’87, and now he is playing the father. It couldn’t be a better choice. And Vishwamitra, again, as we all know, has been known as the angry sage. So I think I again suited that role. Once they took an audition with the beard and everything on, it just fitted. And Nitesh ji, when he saw it, I think he said, ‘Superb yaar, bada achha lag raha hai.’ And they loved my voice. So then they used it even for the trailer, my voiceovers and everything. So yeah, I think jo bhi hota hai na, you trust the process. You trust the process, and what is meant for you will come to you.”

About Ramayana

Backed by Malhotra and directed by Tiwari, ‘Ramayana’ stars Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The film also features a large ensemble cast with music by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer. The epic is planned as a two-part theatrical release, with the first instalment scheduled for November 6, 2026, in international markets and November 8 in India, coinciding with Diwali.

Watch The Interview

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Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.