# How Sunny Deol Faces the Giant Legacy of Dara Singh as Lord Hanuman in Ramayana

> As Sunny Deol takes on the divine role of Hanuman in Nitesh Tiwari's big budget Ramayana, the arduous physical discipline endured by Dara Singh in Ramanand Sagar's classic serial returns to the spotlight.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Bollywood · **Published:** 2026-11-15 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/bollywood/nitesh-tiwari-ki-philma-men-bajarnga-bali-bane-sunny-deol-ke-samane-dara-singh-ki-vo-aitihasika-tapasya-60078 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Ramayana, Dara Singh, Sunny Deol, Ranbir Kapoor, Ramanand Sagar, Nitesh Tiwari, Bollywood

Whenever adaptations of the timeless epic Ramayana are discussed in Indian popular culture, Ramanand Sagar's landmark television show inevitably becomes the benchmark. Recently, director Nitesh Tiwari brought his ambitious cinematic vision to audiences during Diwali, with the project storming past the 1000 crore mark at the box office. Featuring Ranbir Kapoor embodying Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi portraying Sita, and Yash playing the formidable Ravana, the magnum opus generated immense discussion. Among its major casting choices, 69-year-old Sunny Deol was chosen to represent Lord Hanuman. Intriguingly, the actor remained absent through almost the entire runtime of the initial installment, appearing only in a fleeting glimpse at the very end and leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the second chapter.

## Physical Frame and the Weight of an Iconic Persona
Stepping into the boots of the revered deity immediately invites reflections on how the role was immortalized decades ago. When the legendary Dara Singh essayed the part on television, his commanding stature of 6 ft 2 in instantly mesmerized audiences across the country. In contrast, Sunny Deol possesses a height of 5 ft 8 in. While Deol is widely celebrated for his fierce screen energy, towering screen presence, and thunderous voice, Dara Singh's majestic physical bearing and natural grace created an indelible standard that remains unmatched in cinematic history.

## Enduring Hours Without Food in an Era Before Prosthetics
Bringing Bajrang Bali to life in the classic television version required extraordinary physical grit, largely because modern film technology did not exist back then. Prem Sagar, the son of maker Ramanand Sagar, once revealed that the legendary wrestler turned actor had to sit patiently through 3 to 4 hours of intricate makeup every single day. Because advanced prosthetic pieces were entirely absent during that era, the team had to rely on heavy, manual cosmetics to achieve a convincing look. Once the application was locked in place, Dara Singh was unable to eat or drink anything for 8 to 9 hours straight, enduring grueling shoots on an empty stomach without letting his fatigue show on camera.

## A Custom Stool Crafted for Long Waiting Hours with a Tail
The practical costume presented another severe everyday hardship on set. Once the elaborate tail was firmly fastened to his outfit, the actor could no longer sit down on standard chairs or benches without damaging the assembly or causing severe discomfort. During long breaks between takes, standing continuously for hours became deeply exhausting. To alleviate this strain, the production team devised an ingenious solution by crafting a specialized wooden stool featuring a custom cutout at the rear. This tailored notch allowed the tail to hang freely, enabling Dara Singh to finally rest his feet while waiting for the next scene.

## Nonstop Production and Coconut Masks for 500 Fighters
Ramanand Sagar's dedication to the project was legendary, often ordering cameras to begin rolling at 4 am whenever inspiration struck his creative vision. The set essentially operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, demanding total immersion from everyone involved. Furthermore, staging the grand army sequences presented massive logistical hurdles, as roughly 500 background performers were needed to represent the Vanar Sena. Transforming hundreds of individuals each morning was financially and logistically prohibitive, prompting the creators to innovate by utilizing dried coconuts to construct realistic animalistic masks and facial molds for the massive ensemble.

## What this means for you
This behind the scenes comparison provides audiences with a deeper understanding of how Indian mythological cinema has evolved over decades.

- **For Moviegoers:** Audiences gain clarity on why Sunny Deol made only a cameo appearance in the first installment. Fans now know they must wait for the upcoming sequel to experience his complete portrayal of Lord Hanuman.
- **Evolution of Filmmaking:** Viewers can appreciate the stark contrast between modern digital visual effects and vintage practical craftsmanship. It highlights how resourcefulness like using dried coconuts was essential to equip an army of 500 performers.
- **Casting Expectations:** Cinema lovers can evaluate how a 5 ft 8 in modern action star measures up against a 6 ft 2 in wrestling legend. This physical comparison sets specific expectations for performance and gravitas in the next film.
- **Appreciation for Vintage Cinema:** Learning about extreme measures like fasting for 9 hours straight reveals the profound discipline required by classic television actors. It enriches the audience's appreciation for pioneering productions of the past.

## Why this happened
This discussion resurfaced because the immense commercial triumph of the modern cinematic Ramayana naturally triggered comparisons with the legendary television adaptation.

- **Box Office Landmark:** The newly released movie crossing the 1000 crore milestone during Diwali directed massive public attention toward its casting choices. A milestone of this scale invariably sparks retrospectives on how classic versions approached the same sacred epic.
- **Curiosity Over Hanuman's Role:** Limiting Sunny Deol's presence to a brief glimpse at the very end of part one created high anticipation among fans. Viewers immediately began debating whether his take on the character could match historical expectations.
- **Enduring Benchmark of the Original:** Dara Singh's original portrayal remains the definitive cultural standard for the role across India. Recollections shared by Prem Sagar regarding vintage makeup struggles and practical solutions naturally resurfaced to contextualize this transition.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Who are the lead actors in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana film?
The film features Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi playing Sita, and Yash appearing as Ravana.

### 2. Did Sunny Deol have a full role in the first part of the movie?
No, Sunny Deol only appeared in a brief glimpse at the very end, with his full performance reserved for the second part.

### 3. What is the difference in height between Dara Singh and Sunny Deol?
Dara Singh measured 6 ft 2 in in height, whereas Sunny Deol stands at 5 ft 8 in.

### 4. What physical hardships did Dara Singh endure during the television shoot?
He underwent 3 to 4 hours of makeup application daily and had to fast without food or water for 8 to 9 hours during filming.

### 5. Why was a custom stool created for Dara Singh on set?
Because the attached tail prevented him from sitting normally on regular chairs, a wooden stool with a special cutout was designed for him.

### 6. How was the makeup managed for the Vanar Sena in the classic show?
The production team used dried coconuts to construct masks and facial gear for roughly 500 background performers.

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