Sonia Balani has come out in support of Sai Pallavi amid the online discussion surrounding the actress’s Hindi accent in Ramayana. Sonia, who plays Urmila in the much-awaited epic, said she has personally noticed a significant improvement in Sai’s Hindi delivery since the project’s early stages.
The comments come as Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, continues to attract intense attention following the release of its trailer and promotional material.
While the film has received mixed reactions online, Sonia believes audiences should wait until the complete movie is released before reaching conclusions about the casting or performances.
Sonia Balani Says Sai Pallavi Has Improved
Speaking about Sai Pallavi’s Hindi accent, Sonia said she had the opportunity to observe the actress during the film’s table reading as well as in the trailer.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add Hunterfly on Google“I think she has improved a lot. Trust me, I have seen her during the table reading and in the trailer. She has come a long way,” Sonia said.
She also pointed out that performing with a particular regional accent can be challenging for actors. Drawing from her own experience, Sonia recalled being asked to adopt a Malayali accent while working on The Kerala Story.
According to her, getting such speech patterns right can require considerable effort, making her more understanding of the criticism Sai has faced.
Sonia Praises Sai Pallavi’s Simplicity
Sonia also spoke warmly about her first interaction with Sai during the Ramayana table reading.
She recalled that while most people had dressed up for the occasion, Sai arrived without makeup and in a simple casual outfit.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add Hunterfly on GoogleSonia said the actress wore a shirt and jeans and had her hair tied in a simple ponytail. That first impression stayed with her.
She described Sai as grounded and said her simplicity was something she personally admired.
For Sonia, Sai’s approach stood out in an industry where actors are often expected to maintain a highly polished appearance even away from the camera.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add Hunterfly on GoogleSai Pallavi Was Supportive on the Ramayana Set
Sonia further praised Sai’s presence during filming, recalling a wedding sequence that required the actors to navigate several steps while wearing heavy lehengas.
The elaborate costumes made the scene physically challenging, and Sonia said Sai helped guide the other actors through the sequence.
“There was a scene during the wedding where we had to get down many steps in heavy lehengas. So, in a way, she was guiding everyone because we were scared that everyone might fall,” Sonia recalled.
She added that, based on her experience, Sai remained attentive and present on the set.
Sonia Balani Says It Is Too Early to Judge Ramayana
The extensive visual scale of Ramayana has made it one of the most closely watched Indian films, but the promotional material has also attracted criticism.
Sonia believes viewers should reserve their judgment until they have watched the finished movie.
Her comments echo the broader view expressed by producer Namit Malhotra, who has previously acknowledged the feedback surrounding the project’s promotional material.
For Sonia, the trailer and other promotional assets provide only a glimpse of a much larger cinematic project.
Sonia Wanted to Play Surpanakha
Sonia Balani also revealed that Urmila was not actually her first choice when she auditioned for Ramayana.
The actress said she was particularly interested in playing Surpanakha, a character that is eventually portrayed by Rakul Preet Singh.
While auditioning for Urmila, Sonia asked whether she could also try out for Surpanakha. However, she was told that the role had already been finalised.
She ultimately auditioned for and secured the role of Urmila.
Sonia Balani Praises Ranbir Kapoor as Ram
Sonia also had plenty of praise for her co-star Ranbir Kapoor, admitting that she has long admired his acting.
She said she has been a fan of his performances and jokingly acknowledged having a crush on the actor, which made her somewhat “biased” whenever he was around on set.
However, Sonia stressed that her admiration is primarily rooted in his acting ability.
“He is so good in every character that he has played. So, I don’t know how people can doubt his calibre. He has proved himself with whatever he has done in the past,” she said.
Ranbir’s Transformation Impressed Sonia
Sonia said she was able to observe Ranbir’s physical transformation during the production of Ramayana.
According to her, the change became noticeable relatively quickly as he underwent preparation for the role.
“Gradually, during the shoot, I could see him becoming Ram. In 10-15 days, I could see a lot of change in his face and his physique,” she said.
The physical preparation for the role has been a major talking point surrounding the film, with Ranbir undergoing extensive training as part of his transformation into the mythological character.
Ramayana Continues to Generate Buzz
Ramayana has remained one of the most discussed upcoming Indian films because of its ambitious scale and high-profile cast.
Ranbir Kapoor leads the film as Ram, while Sai Pallavi plays Sita. Sonia Balani’s portrayal of Urmila and Rakul Preet Singh’s role as Surpanakha have also added to the interest surrounding the ensemble.
As more posters, songs and promotional material are released, public discussion around the film is likely to continue.
