Sunil Lahiri in the role of Laxman.
The ‘Ramayana’, which is being directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is in discussion everywhere these days. In this film, Ranbir Kapoor will be seen in the role of Prabhu Shriram and Sai Pallavi Mata Sita. At the same time, Ravi Dubey is playing the role of Laxman. Recently, the first look teaser of the film was released, seeing that once again the memories of Ramanand Sagar have been refreshed about the Ramayana. In the 1987 Ramayana, Arun Govil Ram, Deepika Chikhalia was seen in the roles of Sita and Sunil Laxman and succeeded in making a mark in the hearts of the audience with their characters that she is still known for these characters. But, do you know that Sunil Lahiri was not the first choice for the role of ‘Laxman’?
How did Sunil Lahiri become Laxman?
Yes, Sunil Lahiri was the first to play the role of Shatrughan in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana and it was also revealed by Sunil Lahiri himself. During a conversation with Laughing Colors, Sunil Lahiri revealed that when he auditioned for this mythological serial, he was selected for the role of Shatrughan. Recalling this story, he said- ‘I was selected for the role of Shatrughan. However, I also said that if I do this serial, I will play the role of Laxman. I wanted to play the role of neither Ram, nor Shatrughan nor Bharat. ‘ But, at that time, Laxman’s character was already given to actor Shashi Puri.
An accident changed luck
Sunil Lahiri recalled the moment during the conversation, when he was selected from Shatrughan for the role of Laxman. He told that he was crossing the road after shooting in Nagi Villa one day, when a car almost hit him and applied brakes rapidly. It was found that the car was of Ramanand Sagar herself. After this incident, Ramanand Sagar called him to his office and said – ‘If you wanted to play the role of Laxman, then do this role. I want you to do this role. ‘ However, Sunil Lahiri took his step back and asked for 2 days to think of them.
What happened to Shashi Puri?
After the offer of Ramanand Sagar, Sunil Lahiri called Shashi Puri, who was first elected to the role of Laxman and also shot some episodes. Shashi was not fully satisfied about the future of the serial, he said to Sunil Lahiri- ‘You do this role, because I am leaving.’ After this, Sunil Lahiri accepted the offer of Ramanand Sagar and immortalized Laxman’s character forever.
