The Ramayana trailer, unveiled on July 30, has got everyone talking. Among the several conversations that the trailer has sparked, the casting has been widely discussed, especially after the glimpses hinted at the characters from the great epic being featured in the film. Actor Ajinkya Deo, who plays the role of Vishwamitra, a venerated sage who mentored Lord Rama, spoke to mid-day about his role in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana.

Ajinkya Deo on auditioning for Dashrath

Ajinkya Deo tells us that he originally auditioned for the role of Lord Rama’s father, King Dashrath, which is now played by veteran actor Arun Govil. He shared, “I was auditioned. But incidentally, when I was auditioned, it was for the role of Dasharath, and this was like three years ago. But as it went across and as things started moving, Arunji (Arun Govil) came along, which was the best thing that could have happened. He was the perfect Dasharath. And then they offered me Vishwamitra, which of course I lapped up because I know the gravitas of that role in Ramayana.”