Bollywood 'Detox'? Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan' Returns To TV Tonight

Ramanand Sagar's popular Hindi serial 'Ramayan' will make its return to television today (3 July).

Ramayan will air on TV today on the occasion of Guru Purnima from 7:30 pm onwards on Shemaroo TV.

The return of the epic on the television comes days after Prabhas-starrer Adipurush, a movie 'inspired' by Ramayan, faced outrage from viewers across the country over its off-putting dialogues, that were later amended, and portrayal of characters.

On the occassion, Arun Govil, a veteran actor who portrayed the role of Lord Ram in the show, said that people will watch the serial and show their love for it.

"Ramayan has a positive impact on our lives. I would suggest everyone to watch it. Ramayan is an institution that teaches us how to live life...," he added.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Govil revealed that he began his acting career with Rajshri Pictures and Ramanand Sagar in 1977. “When I got to know that Sagar Saheb is making Ramayan, I myself approached him because I wanted to play the character of Lord Ram," he revealed.

He added that "working in mythology" was not a very common practice during that time. "I did a lot of commercial films. My friends and family said don't do it is not good for you," he said. 

Despite receiving suggestions to not pursue this role, Govil remained determined to portray Lord Ram on screen and attended an audition where he faced rejection.

"His [Ramanand's] sons Prem Sagar, Moti Sagar, and Anand Sagar asked me to play the character of Bharat and Lakshman, but I said that, 'I want to play the role of Lord Ram and if I am not suitable for it then it's fine', later they selected someone else for the role," Govil added.

After a few days, the makers finally offered him the opportunity to be a part of the serial. According to ANI, Govil stated that playing Lord Ram deeply impacted his mind.

"The atmosphere in our house was definitely religious, we used to do puja daily, in the evening everyone used to do aarti and my mother used to say ask me to read Ramayan and that time we used to read it, but its impact was not so deep as we were young," he said.

Speaking about how he relates to the character of Lord Ram, Govil said, "I am serious by nature, introverted and calm also. So, have a few traits which are similar. This role changed my life completely and the way this role and show became popular, neither I nor the makers ever thought about it".

“Ramayan is an institution that teaches how to live life and if you take what has been said in this in your life, then life will become very happy and peaceful," he said.