Ranbir Kapoor is gearing up to play the role of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming two-part mythological epic Ramayana. However, the actor had to give up the lead role in the long-awaited biopic on legendary singer Kishore Kumar. In a recent interview, Anurag revealed that Ranbir Kapoor took the ‘tough decision’ of choosing Ramayana over the singer’s biopic, which has been in development since more than ten years.
During a conversation with BBC News, the director opened up about how Ranbir had to choose between the two projects due to clashing schedules. “Ranbir had a tough choice in life – Kishore Kumar or Ramayana. It was very difficult for him. In the end, he chose Ramayana, and I think it was the right decision,” he said.
Ranbir Kapoor and Anurag Basu have collaborated several times in the past, including Barfi (2012) and Jagga Jasoos (2017). While both have expressed their wish to work together again, their busy schedules have made it hard. “We keep trying to work together, but it’s just not happening,” the director added.
After Ranbir turned down the biopic, rumours also suggested that Aamir Khan might step in the role of Kishore Kumar. But, Anurag didn’t give any confirmation and told Mid-Day, “Until everything is finalised and the contract is signed, I don’t think I should speak on it. This project has seen many ups and downs over the years. So, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it happens this time and I go on set with the story, which I’ve been trying to tell for the last decade. I won’t jinx it by speaking about it.”
Besides Ranbir Kapoor, Ramaya also stars Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Arun Govil, Ravi Dubey, and Lara Dutta in key roles. The two-part film is set to hit the theatres on Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027.
