Mumbai: Debut actor Nitish Sharma, who plays Shatrughan in Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated Ramayana, has shared an emotional account of how he landed the role. The actor revealed that he received the casting call just days after being replaced in another major film, describing the opportunity as a “divine blessing.”
Sharma, who will make his feature film debut with Ramayana, said the unexpected turn of events changed the course of his career.
Nitish Sharma Opens Up About His Journey
In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Nitish recalled how he had secured a significant role in a big-budget production in 2023 after going through numerous auditions and rejections.
However, shortly before filming was scheduled to begin, he was informed that he had been replaced.
According to Sharma, the decision came without any detailed explanation, leaving him deeply disappointed.
“I was told that I had been replaced by a senior actor. It was heartbreaking because I believed my journey had finally begun,” he shared.
‘Lord Rama Chose Me,’ Says the Actor
Reflecting on the difficult phase, Nitish said he returned to his hometown, where his family regularly performs Sundarkand recitations at a Hanuman temple.
He explained that while reading the Bharat Milap episode from the Ramayana, he received a call from casting director Mukesh Chhabra regarding Nitesh Tiwari’s film.
The actor described the moment as life-changing.
“I consider myself fortunate that Lord Rama chose me to play Shatrughan. What I thought was my biggest setback became the beginning of something much greater.”
Gratitude to the Film’s Team
Sharing the video, Sharma thanked producer Namit Malhotra, director Nitesh Tiwari, casting director Mukesh Chhabra, and the entire production team for trusting him with the role.
He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious projects.
Nitish Sharma’s Career Before Ramayana
Before joining Ramayana, Nitish Sharma worked extensively in theatre and digital entertainment.
His previous work includes:
- Web series Pyaar Paisa Profit
- More than seven years of theatre experience
- Advertising campaigns for brands including Toyota, Manyavar, Tata Tea, Blackberrys and Swiggy
- Writing and directing short films such as Escape and The Date
Ramayana marks his feature film debut.
About Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is one of the most ambitious Indian films ever mounted.
The cast includes:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Ravie Dubey
- Rakul Preet Singh
- Vivek Oberoi
- Arun Govil
- Lara Dutta
- Kunal Kapoor
- Nitish Sharma as Shatrughan
The film’s music is being composed by A.R. Rahman in collaboration with Hans Zimmer, marking Zimmer’s first score for an Indian feature film.
The first installment of Ramayana is scheduled to release in theatres on November 6.
