Ramayana’s Grand Launch Blends Cinema With Spirituality
From touching the feet of veterans to invoking divine blessings, the launch of Ramayana in New Delhi was less a film promotion and more a celebration of faith, tradition and cultural reverence, with Ranbir Kapoor setting the tone through repeated gestures of humility and devotion
Ranbir Kapoor’s repeated gestures of reverence — from touching the feet of Arun Govil and Sunny Deol to apologising for wearing sunglasses at the launch — defined the mood of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana trailer event in New Delhi. Titled Pratham Sankalp, the evening unfolded as a spiritual and cultural celebration rather than a conventional film promotion, bringing together the cast, political leaders, spiritual figures and poets to underline the significance of the epic adaptation.
Dressed in a traditional black bandhgala with white trousers, Ranbir Kapoor apologised for wearing sunglasses, explaining that he had contracted an eye infection from his daughter, Raha. “On this auspicious occasion, there is only affection in my heart, so please don’t mind,” he said.
As host for the evening, Ranbir repeatedly highlighted the reverence attached to the project. One of the most emotional moments came when Arun Govil — forever identified with Lord Ram from Ramanand Sagar’s iconic Ramayan and now playing King Dashrath in the film — walked onto the stage. Ranbir immediately bent down to touch Govil’s feet, acknowledging the legacy the veteran actor carries.
“Sir, you have represented this responsibility for so many years with such beauty, truth and dignity. If I can capture even a fraction of how you embodied Lord Shri Ram, my hard work will have been worthwhile,” Ranbir said.
