Actor Ranbir Kapoor has successfully won over many skeptics with his portrayal of Lord Rama in Ramayana: Rise of a Legend following initial online scrutiny over his casting. Offering fresh insight into the performer's deep commitment to the epic, his on-screen mother Indira Krishnan shared that Ranbir completely transitioned to a vegetarian diet and maintained a strict lifestyle and fitness routine throughout production.
During an interview, Indira, who portrays Queen Kaushalya in the Nitesh Tiwari directorial, explained how Ranbir altered his daily routine to fully embody the legendary figure. She noted that he consumed a diet of fruits while dedicating several hours daily to rigorous workouts, balancing morning and evening sessions. According to the 55-year-old actor, his vanity van was stocked with fruits as he consciously worked to channel the character internally and externally through his speech and behavior.
Indira, who previously worked alongside Ranbir in Animal, also highlighted their off-screen bond, mentioning his fondness for South Indian meals and his frequent conversations about his daughter Raha. She commended him as a versatile performer and a dedicated father, noting that he acted as a supportive presence on set and often asked for her input on his scenes. While filming, she remarked that she saw the divine figure rather than the actor standing before her.
Addressing the considerable backlash that followed early promotional materials, Indira spoke out against the online criticism directed at his casting. She pointed out a societal tendency to pull down performers attempting new roles and noted meeting individuals who initially doubted his suitability for the part. Initial resistance to his casting stemmed largely from a resurfaced 2011 interview and debate over whether he could pivot from his aggressive role in Animal.
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, which also stars Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and Yash as Ravana, premiered in theaters on November 5, 2026. The production has already planned a sequel for Diwali 2028, featuring a post-credits sequence that introduces Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman for the upcoming installment.