Arun Govil, celebrated for his portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series Ramayan, has arrived in Ayodhya ahead of the much-anticipated consecration of Ram Lalla in the Ram Mandir on January 22. Govil, along with his Ramayan co-stars Deepika Chikhlia (Sita) and Sunil Lahri (Lakshman), reached Ayodhya on January 17 and shared glimpses of their journey on social media.
Reflecting on his deep connection with Ramayan, Arun Govil expressed, “Ramayan was a daily ritual in my middle-class household. My mother encouraged me to read the text on my own, even though I found it challenging due to its Awadh script.” He fondly recalled the family’s morning and evening prayers, emphasizing the impact of the epic in his formative years.
Arun Govil Visits Ram Mandir with is Ramayan Co-Stars
The trio’s visit to Ayodhya is timed with the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir, scheduled for January 22. The event has garnered significant attention, with invitations extended to popular celebrities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers.
In an interview with Doordarshan, Arun Govil shared insights into his transformative journey, stating, “Playing the role of Lord Ram instilled courage, motivation, and strength in me, making me worthy of the character.” He revealed that his strong connection with Ramayan from childhood influenced his insistence on playing the role when approached by Ramanand Sagar.
The 66-year-old actor, who portrayed Lord Ram in the televised Ramayan from 1987 to 1988, disclosed his current involvement in a film titled “695,” centered around the Ram temple. The movie is set to release on January 19, 2024, ahead of the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.
Furthermore, Govil, Chikhlia, and Lahri have collaborated on a song titled “Humare Ram Aayenge,” sung by Sonu Nigam, adding a musical touch to their spiritual journey in Ayodhya. The trio’s presence in the holy city has sparked excitement among fans, marking a significant reunion in the sacred backdrop of Ramayan’s legendary tale.