Nitesh Tiwari's grand cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana has been generating immense buzz across the globe, capturing the attention of audiences both domestically and internationally. While the film features Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Lord Ram and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, an interesting piece of casting behind-the-scenes has recently come to light. Marathi actor Adinath Kothare, who plays the pivotal role of Bharat in the ambitious project backed by Namit Malhotra and Yash, revealed that his journey in the film started with an entirely different character in mind.
From Lakshman Auditions to Playing Bharat
During a recent media interaction, Adinath Kothare shared that when he initially approached the casting team for Nitesh Tiwari's directorial venture, he had gone to audition specifically for the character of Lakshman. However, destiny took a different turn during the extensive casting process, and he was ultimately selected to portray Bharat, the devoted brother of Ranbir Kapoor's character in the epic.
Testing With the Famous Lakshman Rekha Scene
Elaborating on the audition process, Adinath Kothare explained that the casting directors required him to perform a specific and iconic sequence. The test involved the dramatic moment where Lakshman urges Sita to stay safe inside their forest dwelling, culminating in the younger brother drawing a protective boundary line around the hut and instructing Sita not to step across it under any circumstances.
Adinath Kothare recalled that he performed this exact scene where Lakshman instructs Mother Sita to remain inside the cottage. However, it was roughly six months after completing this initial audition that he received a call confirming his selection. While he had tried out for the other role, the makers finalized him to portray Bharat in the final cut of the movie.
Debunking Myths About Actor Auditions
Reflecting on the experience, Adinath noted that people often assume established actors are exempt from the rigorous audition process, but he emphasized that this common belief is entirely untrue. For context, this massive cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana was produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash alongside Prime Focus Studios, Monster Mind Creations, and DNEG, with the film hitting theatres on November 5.
