Arun Govil rose to fame for playing Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan. Years later, he recalled an incident from the sets of a Tamil movie, where he was once scolded and abused for smoking.
He shared that he was sitting on a chair in the corner, smoking during a break, when a few people walked up to him and started shouting at him in the local language. It was only later that he understood why.
People saw him as a godlike figure because of his role as Ram, and they couldn't accept seeing him smoke.
Govil said that day changed something for him. He never smoked again after that, saying he felt it was his moral duty to carry himself in a way that matched how people saw him.
About Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan
Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan remains the most-watched Indian television show to date. The series, which aired from 1987 to 1988, still holds the record for the highest TRP ever recorded by an Indian show.
Its popularity hasn't faded over time either. When the show was rerun in 2020 during the pandemic, it once again topped the TV ratings, this time winning over a whole new generation of viewers, something that turned out to be a record-breaking moment of its own.
ALSO READ - Where To Watch Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan For Free? All About Its Episodes, Cast Details And Budget
Arun Govil As King Dashrath In Ramayana
Now, decades later, Arun Govil is returning to the world of Ramayana, though in a different role this time. The makers of the upcoming movie Ramayana have unveiled his solo character poster as King Dashrath.
The 68-year-old actor is seen in a regal look, playing the ruler of Ayodhya and father of Ram, taking on a key supporting role in the film's large ensemble cast.
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The new cinematic adaptation retells the epic battle between good and evil, tracing the birth of Lord Ram as an avatar of Vishnu, destined to restore balance by defeating the demon king Ravana. Told across two parts, the story moves from the royal court of Ayodhya and Kaikeyi's decree of exile, all the way to the forest years and the final battle in Lanka.
ALSO READ - Ramayana International Release: Everything To Know About The Early Global Debut
Ramayana: Part 1 also stars Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The film is set for a Diwali release on November 6, 2026, with Part 2 arriving the following Diwali in 2027.
The film will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, along with an IMAX version. Sony Pictures will handle its distribution globally outside India, while Dharma Productions will oversee its release across Hindi-speaking markets.
FAQ
1. Why did Arun Govil stop smoking?
Arun Govil quit smoking after people confronted him while he was shooting in Tamil Nadu. They saw him as Lord Ram and felt he should not smoke.
2. Why is Arun Govil associated with Lord Ram?
Arun Govil became widely known for playing Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan. The role made him deeply respected among viewers, who began associating him with the deity.
3. Who does Arun Govil play in Ramayana: Part 1?
Arun Govil plays King Dashrath, the ruler of Ayodhya and father of Lord Ram. The film also stars Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.