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Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious cinematic venture Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, is set for a grand theatrical release on Diwali 2026. The film’s visual effects are being handled by Namit Malhotra’s DNEG, the acclaimed studio behind several Hollywood films like Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk, Blade Runner 2049, First Man, Tenet, Dune, and Dune: Part Two. Naturally, expectations for its visual spectacle elements are sky-high.
Some fans may not know that when Ranbir Kapoor was first approached for Ramayana around four years ago, he initially declined the role. However, after the birth of his daughter Raha, he had a change of heart and came on board the project, as per NDTV. RK revealed that when Namit Malhotra offered the role, his reaction was “I am not fit enough, good enough.’ I felt I wouldn’t be able to do full justice.” He further added when he agreed to be a part of the film, “There was a period when I needed to change my lifestyle. I had just become a father for the first time. The sweet coincidence of playing Lord Ram and becoming a father became a turning point in my life.”
Let’s take a look at some other Bollywood films the talented actor turned down: films that eventually went on to gain immense popularity and acclaim.
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1. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
In this Zoya Akhtar-directed film, the filmmaker reportedly first approached Ranbir Kapoor to play the role of the successful, ambitious investment banker Arjun, as per DNA. However, he turned down the role, and it was finally done by Hrithik Roshan. The coming-of-age road-trip buddy comedy-drama follows three close friends: Arjun (Hrithik Roshan), Imraan (Farhan Akhtar), and Kabir (Abhay Deol), who go on a vacation in Spain before Kabir’s wedding.
2. Gully Boy (2019)
In the musical drama directed by Zoya Akhtar, Ranbir Kapoor was reportedly offered the lead role of Murad, as per The Times of India. But he rejected it due to various reasons, and it was eventually played by Ranveer Singh, who received widespread acclaim for portraying the character. The film chronicles the journey of Murad, an underdog rapper from Mumbai’s Dharavi, who rises from the streets to achieve his dream with the help of a rap artist, MC Sher (Siddhant Chaturvedi).
3. Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)
Another Zoya Akhtar film, which was initially offered to Ranbir Kapoor, was Dil Dhadakne Do. Although the gifted performer purportedly said yes to the project but later stepped back due to schedule conflicts, as per News18. That role finally went to Ranveer Singh. The comedy-drama revolves around an affluent but dysfunctional family who take their friends on a lavish cruise trip.
4. Band Baaja Baaraat (2010)
Maneesh Sharma’s rom-com Band Baaja Baaraat was another well-received film that initially offered Ranbir Kapoor the lead role. Eventually, that role was passed on to Ranveer Singh, and the Dhurandhar actor got rave reviews for his feature film debut performance.
The romantic comedy-drama follows the story of two Delhi youngsters, Bittu (Ranveer Singh) and Shruti (Anushka Sharma), who start a wedding planning business. But the story takes an interesting turn when one of them falls in love with the other, after which they become business rivals.
5. Delhi Belly (2011)
The Abhinay Deo-directed and Aamir Khan-backed action-comedy film stars Imran Khan, Kunaal Roy Kapur, and Vir Das as three struggling roommates who become the target of a dreaded gangster. This is another successful film that was also reportedly offered to Ranbir Kapoor, but he could not go ahead with the project. The role went to Imran Khan, and both the film and the performances were received well by the audience.
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Must Read: Ranbir Kapoor Net Worth 2026: Ramayana Salary, Brand Deals & Wealth Breakdown
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