Fact Check: Priyanka Chopra as Surpanakha in Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana?

Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Nitesh Tiwari, is unquestionably one of Bollywood's most anticipated movies. The project had already begun, and fans were intrigued by behind-the-scenes photos that were released from the set. However, the filmmaker made the formal announcement of the movie in November of last year.

Nitesh has revealed the duology's release dates along with a poster: Ramayana Part 1 will be available on Diwali 2026, while Ramayana Part 2 will be available on Diwali 2027. Rocking Star Yash is playing Ravana, Sai Pallavi is playing Sita, and Ranbir will be seen as Lord Rama. However, did you know that Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who costarred with RK in Barfi!, was first selected to play Ravana's sister Surpanakha in the movie?

Priyanka Chopra in Ramayana?

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Indeed, Priyanka Chopra was first considered for the Surpanakha role, but she turned it down, according to the most recent rumours. The action of Surpanakha became the catalyst for the epic's development. Rakul Preet Singh will play this important part in Nitesh Tiwari's next adaptation.

A source revealed, “Surpanakha is one of the main reasons the Ramayan took place. The makers were keen on having Priyanka Chopra for the same role. But things didn't work out owing to her packed schedule with international projects. That's when Rakul came on board. She fitted the role perfectly and brought intensity and a fresh take to the character.”

This casting, however, had the potential to be intriguing. Although Priyanka is regrettably not in Ramayana, she will soon return to Indian cinema alongside Mahesh Babu in SS Rajamouli's upcoming film. Another project involving Atlee and Allu Arjun made headlines, but PeeCee allegedly turned down the offer. Later, Deepika Padukone was cast in the movie.

Currently under production by Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is billed as the biggest film in Hindi cinema. Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana, Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjiva, Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indradeva, and Ranbir Kapoor as Ram are the cast members of the Ramayana.

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