Mumbai: Actor Rakul Preet Singh is set to take on a distinctly different role in filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana, where she will portray Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana. The ambitious mythological film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita.
Rakul said the role has given her an opportunity to explore a character with several layers and facets that go beyond Surpanakha’s familiar portrayal in popular retellings of the epic. According to the actor, reading the script introduced her to several aspects of Surpanakha’s life that she had not known earlier.
The actor believes that the many interpretations of characters from the Ramayana allow filmmakers and performers to present fresh perspectives while remaining rooted in the essence of the original text.
A new perspective on Surpanakha
Rakul said characters from the Ramayana have been interpreted and presented differently over the years, giving actors an opportunity to explore their personalities in greater depth.
“Every few years, you see a different interpretation and presentation of these characters, while keeping the essence rooted in the original text,” she said.
For the actor, the appeal of playing Surpanakha lies in the character’s complexity and the scope to explore multiple emotions and dimensions.
Rakul said that an actor approaches such a role by looking at the possibilities offered by the character and the opportunity to bring those layers to life on screen.
She was particularly intrigued by the facets of Surpanakha’s personality that extend beyond the incident for which the character is most commonly remembered.
Exploring a layered character
Surpanakha is often associated with the events involving Ram, Sita and Lakshman. However, Rakul said the character has a larger story and several layers that make the role particularly interesting from an actor’s perspective.
“She was apparently the most beautiful woman of Lanka. She had an ego, but then she was layered. As an actor, it’s fun to explore those layers,” Rakul said.
The actor explained that the film’s script gave her a chance to discover a broader side of Surpanakha and understand the character beyond conventional perceptions.
According to Rakul, this deeper exploration was one of the main reasons she was drawn to the role in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation.
The upcoming film is expected to present a wider perspective on several characters from the epic, while exploring their individual journeys and personalities within the larger narrative.
Script revealed unknown aspects of her life
Rakul revealed that she came across several details about Surpanakha’s life only after reading the screenplay.
“There was a lot about her that I didn’t know. When I read the script, there was a lot about her life before and after that incident where her nose is chopped off by Lakshman,” she said.
The actor said the script explores Surpanakha’s journey in greater detail, including aspects of her life before and after the incident that has traditionally defined the character in popular retellings.
Rakul also said she found it interesting to learn more about how Surpanakha encounters Ram and the events that unfold in her life.
“What happens in Surpanakha’s life and how does she meet, stumble upon Ram—there’s a lot which I didn’t know, which for me was new when I read the script, and which is why I liked it,” she said.
Her comments suggest that the film will attempt to examine Surpanakha as a more layered character rather than presenting her solely through the conventional image associated with her role in the epic.
Star cast brings epic characters to life
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is among the most anticipated mythological films currently in development. The project features Ranbir Kapoor as Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, while Rakul steps into the role of Surpanakha, Ravana’s sister.
The film has generated considerable interest because of its scale and its attempt to bring one of India’s most celebrated epics to the big screen with a contemporary cinematic approach.
Rakul’s casting has also drawn attention, as the role marks a departure from many of the characters she has portrayed earlier in her career. Playing Surpanakha will require the actor to explore a character associated with strong emotions, conflict, pride and a complex personal journey.
For Rakul, the project offers an opportunity to examine a familiar mythological character through a fresh lens while remaining connected to the essence of the epic.
Beyond the conventional portrayal
The actor’s remarks indicate that Ramayana will seek to explore the personalities and backstories of its characters in greater detail.
Surpanakha has traditionally been remembered mainly for her encounter with Ram and Lakshman. However, Rakul said the screenplay opened up several new aspects of the character’s life and journey, making the role more engaging for her as an actor.
With the film promising a broader interpretation of characters from the epic, Rakul’s portrayal is expected to bring a different perspective to Surpanakha’s story.
The success of such an interpretation will ultimately depend on how the screenplay balances familiar elements of the epic with fresh character exploration. For now, Rakul’s comments have added to curiosity around how Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana will present one of the story’s most recognised and complex characters.