Actress Nikita Rawal has become the subject of online discussion after expressing her views on Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram in the upcoming film Ramayana. During a recent podcast interview, she questioned whether actors portraying revered religious figures should also consider public expectations surrounding the role.
Her remarks have sparked debate on social media, with many users discussing both her comments and her career in the entertainment industry.
Who Is Nikita Rawal?
Nikita Rawal is an Indian actress who has appeared in Bollywood and South Indian films. In addition to acting, she is known for her work as an entrepreneur, hotelier and social activist associated with non-governmental initiatives.
She is also a trained Kathak dancer and has represented India at the national level in dance competitions.
According to her publicly available film profile, Nikita has been recognised for her energetic dance performances and has occasionally been referred to as the “Shakira of the Indian dance industry.”
Film Career
Over the years, Nikita Rawal has appeared in several Hindi films, including:
- Black & White (alongside Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah)
- Mr. Hot Mr. Kool
- The Hero – Abhimanyu
She has also worked in Telugu-language cinema and featured in television commercials and public awareness campaigns.
Apart from acting, she has participated in stage performances and entertainment events across India.
What Did Nikita Rawal Say About Ranbir Kapoor?
During a podcast interview with Bollywood Mascot, Nikita Rawal spoke about the responsibilities that come with portraying a respected religious figure on screen.
According to her, actors playing characters such as Lord Ram should be mindful of the emotional and cultural significance attached to the role.
Referring to an earlier public remark by Ranbir Kapoor in which he described himself as “a big beef guy,” Nikita questioned whether the actor should first address that statement before portraying Lord Ram.
She also appealed to Ranbir Kapoor to issue a public clarification or apology regarding the earlier comment.
Call for an Online Campaign
During the interview, Nikita encouraged people who agreed with her viewpoint to participate in an online campaign using the hashtag #BoycottRanbirKapoor until, in her opinion, the actor addresses the controversy.
Her comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users supporting her position while others defending Ranbir Kapoor’s casting and arguing that an actor’s professional role should be judged independently of past public remarks.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana
Ranbir Kapoor is set to portray Lord Ram in filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of the epic Ramayana.
The film has attracted significant attention due to its scale, cast and visual presentation. Since promotional material was unveiled, the project has remained among the most discussed upcoming Indian films.
The makers have not publicly responded to Nikita Rawal’s comments at the time of publication.
Public Debate Around Casting Choices
Casting actors in mythological and historical roles often leads to public discussion, particularly when the characters hold deep religious or cultural importance. Such debates frequently reflect differing opinions among audiences regarding artistic interpretation, public image and cultural sensitivity.
While social media campaigns can amplify these discussions, they do not necessarily reflect the views of the broader public.
