Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana has landed in controversy days after its trailer release. Arjun Kumar, president of Shri Ramlila Mahasangh and Lav Kush Ramlila, Old Delhi, has asked the makers for an advanced screening of the film to ensure that no religious sentiments are hurt.

Questioning the portrayal of Ram in the trailer, Kumar tells us, “How can Shri Ram, who lived with dignity, be shown taking a pledge and getting angry to kill someone? Also, (actor) Ranbir Kapoor is promoting sale of land in Ayodhya in an ad, and here he is playing Shri Ram. Will Ram ever sell Ayodhya’s land?”

He also believes that things like the costumes “could be rejected by the viewers” after the release.

Kumar clarifies that they don’t want the film to flop as “if films made on a great book like Ramayana flop, a negative message goes to society”. He also insists that they are not giving any certificate to the film, but will ask for scenes to be removed if “any of these hurt the sentiments” of Hindus.

Kumar warned that if the screening isn’t arranged, Shri Ramlila Mahasangh, along with various Hindu organizations, will stage demonstrations across Delhi and other states.

We reached out to the team of Ramayana, but they refused to comment on the matter.

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has acquired a land parcel in Ayodhya for Rs 3.31 crore, amid rising investor interest in the temple town’s real estate market.

The transaction involves a 2,134 sq ft land parcel in the 75-acre plotted development project located on the banks of the Sarayu river in Ayodhya.

Kapoor’s investment comes as Ayodhya witnesses increased real estate activity following large-scale infrastructure development and a surge in tourism after the Ram temple inauguration. The project includes a 5-acre vegetarian luxury hotel to be operated by The Leela.

He has bought the land parcel directly from the project’s developer The House of Abhinandan Lodha.

“I believe Ayodhya has chosen me, and I have just answered this calling. Ayodhya is deep rooted in our history and is a critical part of our cultural fabric. This land at The Sarayu became my gateway to ensuring this becomes a part of my legacy for my family,” Kapoor said.

Abhinandan Lodha, chairman of the House of Abhinandan Lodha, said Ayodhya is witnessing long-term growth driven by infrastructure, tourism and increasing investor attention.

According to the company, Ayodhya has received public and allied investments of more than Rs 85,000 crore over the last few years across roads, railways, airport connectivity and urban infrastructure.

The city attracted around 16 crore visitors in 2024 and is projected to receive up to 28 crore annual visitors by 2030.

Founded in 2020, the House of Abhinandan Lodha said it has sold over 13 million sq ft of developed land and currently has around 25 million sq ft under active development across five states.

Actor Amitabh Bachchan has expanded his real estate footprint in Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), home to the Ram Mandir, with the purchase of another land parcel — this time a 25,000 sq ft plot. This acquisition follows his earlier investment last year, when he purchased a 10,000 sqft plot in a 7-star mixed-use enclave in Ayodhya, for Rs. 14.5 crore.

In March, a report had revealed that the actor had acquired a 54,454 sq ft plot located about 10km from the Ram Mandir, under the name of the Harivansh Rai Bachchan Trust. Reports suggested that the land might be used to establish a memorial dedicated to the life and literary contributions of his father, late poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Before the inauguration of the Ram Temple in January 2024, Big B had bought a 5,372 sqft plot in Haveli Avadh near Ayodhya for Rs. 4.54 crore, the report had said.

Additionally, the veteran actor had purchased a 10,000 sq ft land parcel in Alibaug (Maharashtra) for Rs. 10 crore, further diversifying his luxury real estate portfolio.

Actor Elli AvrRam reveals that her significant challenge in the Indian film industry was breaking away from the perception that she could only excel in “glamorous roles and dance numbers”. According to her, “the scarcity of opportunities for more raw and unglamorous roles” contributed to this perception. 

AvrRam, with Swedish-Greek roots, entered the showbiz scene in 2013 and has since been featured in films including Mickey Virus (2013), Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (2015), Jabariya Jodi (2019), Malang (2020), Goodbye (2022) and Ganpath (2023). “I have completely embraced India as my home. I will fight with anyone who speaks ill of it,” asserts the 33-year-old.

Currently traversing India for the shooting of her show India With Elli AvrRam Season 2, AvrRam shares insights from her recent visit to Ayodhya, where she witnessed the inauguration of the Ram Mandir amid fervour.

Expressing her amazement, she says, “Lord Ram is beautiful; I just wanted to stand and watch him. Hearing the crowd chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ was really cool to witness. Watching documentaries or films will only give you a little understanding. It’s very different when you are actually there physically, engaging all your senses. I’ve always had curiosity regarding Hinduism and ancient knowledge.”

For AvrRam, exploring small towns during her travels aids in connecting with people. She notes, “The way they look at life, their thoughts and beliefs. What I love the most is that the spirit I see in people is kindness and helpfulness.”

Her recent release, Conjuring Kannappan (2023), received positive reviews. While travel shows help her connect with fans in real life, AvrRam emphasizes that picking the right scripts is crucial for her. “I should be able to watch a film I’ve been part of and feel proud. Whether it becomes a hit or not at the box office can never be in my, or anyone’s control,” concludes AvrRam.

After working together in six comedy films, Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan are set to reunite for their seventh. After their last collaboration,Khatta Meetha in 2010, the two will be working together after 14 years for a horror comedy. Priyadarshan clarifies that the movie will not be a sequel or a spin-off to their cult hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

“My film with Akshay is not a remake. It is an original idea. The script is not mine; it was given to me by Ekta (Kapoor, producer). It is not Bhool Bhulaiyaa, but it will be a horror comedy, in the fantasy horror zone, as horror can never be real. I would even call Bhool Bhulaiyaa a psychological thriller with humour. So, this one is not a sequel to any movie. We are going on floors in October,” the director confirms.

The Chup Chup Ke director confesses that lately, he has not been working as much. “I was not happy with the scripts that were coming to me. This (project with Akshay) is something I found exciting,” he shares.

When asked why he did not direct the sequel to Bhool Bhulaiyaa, he replied, “I actually never had a subject (for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2). I am very happy with the kind of success the film got, and I even congratulated Anees (Bazmee, director) for making it. It is not easy to make a successful sequel. Everyone accepted the film.”

While the scripting of the Akshay Kumar-starrer is on, Priyadarshan is also working on a documentary. “I have never made a documentary, so this is my first attempt at it. It is on the history of the Ayodha temple and starts from 1983.”

Singer Sonu Nigam was one of the first to perform at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya on Jan 22. In an exclusive chat with Bombay Times, the popular singer revealed that a day after his performance, it was brought to his notice that his voice was the first one ever to reverberate at the holy temple premises.

“Someone messaged me yesterday (Jan 23), that ‘Do you realise you were the first voice that was ever heard at that auspicious temple premises’. Pehli meri awaz goonji thi Ram Janmbhoomi pe. I had not even realised that then.”

Speaking to us about the performance Sonu said, “I actually did not go there with any preconceived notions. I wanted to just go with the flow. They had asked me to sing at the ceremony, but I am also aware that protocols keep changing, so I didn’t tell anyone, not the press, not even my family that I might sing there. Even though they’d asked me to sing I didn’t want to tell anyone pehle se because I didn’t want to feel bad ki itna soch ke aaye, itna bol ke aaye, aur gaane ka chance hi nahi mila. Kuch bhi ho sakta hai political events mein, delay ho jaye, jaldi ho, ya cancel ho jaye. So, I didn’t go there with any preconceived notions. Once I went there, I saw that it was extremely crowded. By the time we reached, there was no place to sit as everyone had already occupied seats. My stage was far from where I was asked to sit. The best view of the entire area was of course for our PM Narendra Modi and the second-best view was where we were sitting! The seat at which we were, had the best view of everybody around. We could see people everywhere. The mandir was surrounded on three sides with audiences. And we were the only ones who could see all the sides. Because we were on a higher level, toh sab kuch higher perspective se dikh raha tha. It was a magical view. We were at the best spot. Everyone’s craziness and frenzy were visible to us. And when I finally sang there, it was just beyond words.”

Sonu Nigam is known for his vocal rendition and the singer told us that they had not rehearsed before singing on that stage. “We had not done rehearsals. When I went there sound checks already ho raha tha, so thoda sa maine bhi aalaap sa liya and I realized that I could manage with that sound and I gave the musicians my scale. And the musicians knew what I wanted to sing, and they knew my scale. So jab sahi waqt aaya toh kaha gaya ki aap stage pe abhi aayenge and it was beautiful. It felt amazing. Maine aankh bandh kar ke eeshwar ko kaha, ‘Sambhal lena, accha ho jaye. Sur na jaye and aisa na ho ki sound mujhe samajh nahi aaye’. And after that it all went pretty well. Now that I heard the recording, I realized that it was all done without rehearsal and so it was pretty magical. In the end I did the Ram Dhuni toh pura mahol ban gaya. Shuru mein maine shanti se start kiya uske baad I took it up at a higher level and in the end I again brought it to the solemn chanting of Jai Ram Ram. So, everything fell into place and bahut hi accha mahol tha. This is one event that I will cherish for a lifetime. Aise kuch events hote hain jo life changing hotein hain and this was that. It was beautiful.”

Singer Sonu Nigam was the first singer to perform during the pran pratishtha ceremony at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. “I got to sing at an event that was being watched by 120 countries, without any rehearsal. I just left it Ram bharose,” he says.

The Padma Shri recipient, who sang Ram Siya Ram and Ram Dhuni, adds that he owes his love for devotional music to his late mother Shobha Nigam. “I’ve been singing devotional songs from a very early age as my mother loved hearing them in my voice. She’s not here physically, but I could feel her presence, love and care around me, during my performance.”

Ask how he spent a day in Ayodhya, and Nigam shares, “I prayed a lot. I couldn’t sleep well the night before. But it was special.”

Singer Kailash Kher was filled with a strong sense of devotion after he attended the pran pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhya’s Shri Ram Temple and delivered a soulful performance on Monday. Now, the event has become one of the most cherished moments of his life.

“Aisa laga ke humne bhagwan Ram ke real mein darshan kare hain,” he tells us, adding, “It was a deeply spiritual moment. I must have done something right that I got a chance to witness it”.

The 50-year-old reveals that he performed his track Ram Dhun after the unveiling of Ram Lalla’s idol. “I feel so honoured and blessed that I got an opportunity to sing. It was a very special feeling,” he shares, recalling an incident where he felt divine intervention. “I, along with Sonu ji (singer Sonu Nigam), came out of the temple without doing the darshan. As we were walking out, we met Yogi Adityanath (UP CM) and he assured to help us. We went in and did the darshan. I think that was Shri Ram’s way of not letting us go without meeting him,” he ends.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar was in awe as he witnessed the consecration of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22. For him, the highlight of the day was helicopters sprinkling rose petals all over the venue: “Everybody was in tears when Shri Ram’s door opened. It was a surreal moment when the choppers were dropped rose petals on everyone, I have no words to describe it.”

Recalling the momentous event, the Babli Bouncer (2022) director tells us, “It was very vibrant. The energy in everyone was just on another level. It is a remarkable deal for every Indian. The kind of euphoria that was there, especially when the doors opened to see Ram Lalla, people just couldn’t control their emotions. We were sitting outside and watching it on the big screen. Everyone started clapping and shouting ‘Jai Shri Ram’.”

Ask how he feels like to be among the few from the film fraternity who witnessed the event and the 55-year-old shares, “I felt absolutely honoured and privileged. What we witnessed was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I couldn’t miss it for the world. I was looking forward to it for many weeks and was ecstatic to be a part of it.”

Having made a promise to Shri Ram, 20 years later, singer Anuradha Paudwal made good on it on January 22, when she sang at Ram Mandir. The 69-year-old says, “It was out of this world.”

When signs of a temple were first found at the site, the singer made a promise: “I said, ‘Aap baahar aa jaao; bhavya mandir jab bhi banega, main aapke pran pratishtha pe gaaungi’. I didn’t get to sing first. I can’t say, ‘Main gaaungi’. I told Ramji that if he wants, I will definitely sing.” So when the temple trust asked her to sing, she teared up.

She was accompanied on stage by her daughter, singer Kavita Paudwal and the mother-daughter duo sang Ram Bhujang Stotram during the sthapna of idol. “Mera gaana hi meri offering tha. Everything was world-class. When they revealed the face of Bhagwaan Ram, I was spellbound,” she ends.

Actor Alia Bhatt showed up in a teal-coloured silk saree to the consecration ceremony of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Monday with husband, actor Ranbir Kapoor. Paying tribute to Shri Ram in her own sartorial way, the 30-year-old’s saree featured intricate motif work around the border and depicted the story of Ramayana.

The saree by Bengaluru-based Madhurya Creations was styled by Bhatt with a blue shawl. The Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) actor tied her hair in a bun and topped off the look with drop earrings.

Mumbai: After two years of deadlock in negotiations, Japan’s Sony Corp on Monday called off its proposed $10 billion merger between its India unit and Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Sony Corp’s 62-page merger termination notice came just when Zee had requested it to extend the deal deadline.

While Sony cited unmet merger conditions as the reason for the termination, the two companies have been wrangling over who will lead the combined entity. Zee proposed MD Punit Goenka would be at the helm, but Sony disagreed in the light of a regulatory investigation against him and wanted its nominee, India MD N P Singh, to run the show. The Japanese giant has sought $90 million from Zee as termination fees for breaches of the merger pact and has invoked arbitration. Zee has refuted all of Sony’s assertions and said it will take legal action against the latter as well as contest its claims in arbitration proceedings.

The collapse of the merger is expected to have a negative impact on both Sony and Zee.

The collapse of the Sony-Zee merger negotiations comes at a time when the market is going through digital disruption and consolidation, where Reliance Industries’ Viacom18 and the India unit of Walt Disney are planning a merger.

“After more than two years of negotiations, we are extremely disappointed that closing conditions to the merger were not satisfied... We remain committed to growing our presence in (India’s) vibrant and fast-growing market,” said Sony. It, however, didn’t specify what conditions were unfulfilled.

Sony further said that even after the two-year deal timeline ended on Dec 21, 2023, it was engaged in “good faith discussions” with Zee for 30 days to make the merger effective but both “were unable to agree upon an extension by the Jan 21 deadline”.

Zee said Goenka had agreed to step down in the interest of the merger and had discussed the appointment of a director on the board of the combined company. It further said it had proposed “protections for conduct of pending investigations and legal proceedings in the best interest of its directors and shareholders”.

Zee also said that it had requested Sony to extend the merger deadline by six more months after the 30-day grace period lapsed. However, Sony “did not provide any counter proposal for extension”, it said. “These discussions did not result in any proposal from Sony but they rather have chosen to terminate,” it stated. Goenka, who was in Ayodhya for the Ram temple ceremony when he received the message that Sony had called off the deal, posted on X that he sees the development as “a sign from the Lord”, adding that he would move ahead positively and work towards strengthening Zee for all its stakeholders.

Markets regulator Sebi is conducting investigation against Goenka for alleged diversion of funds from Zee to promoter entities. A final order is yet to come. Earlier, Sebi had barred Goenka from holding directorships in any listed entity. But Securities Appellate Tribunal reversed the interim order and directed Sebi to complete the investigation.

Zee, which spent Rs 176 crore on merger-related expenses in FY23, said it will continue to “evaluate organic and inorganic opportunities for growth, leveraging the intrinsic value of its assets”.

Zee is contending with falling profits and cash reserves in a highly competitive market where streaming majors such as Netflix and Amazon Prime are fighting for share. “With the merger terminated, Zee’s valuation will slump back to 12 times its price to earning (PE) levels seen prior to the merger announcement,” foreign brokerage CLSA said.

“The stock had derated in the past during the promoter share pledging crisis (in 2019) and fall in business cash conversion. We downgrade Zee from buy to sell on a revised target price of Rs 198 (prior price was Rs 300).”

Madhur Bhandarkar will be attending the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya today. The filmmaker says many people have given him money for donation at the temple.

“The moment my friends, family and neighbours learnt that I’ll be travelling to Ayodhya, they started giving me money Ram ji ko chadhaane ke liye. I have collected all the money in a big envelope. I felt very emotional when that happened,” the 55-year-old tells us.

The Padma Shree awardee will be staying in Ayodhya till tomorrow and he has got special clothes for the occasion. “Maine toh naye kapde silwaaye hain itne bade din ke liye. I have been excited about it for so long,” he wraps up.

When we connect with Shankar Mahadevan to discuss his latest release, Ram anthem, he is enroute to Ayodhya for today’s inauguration. “This is what India is all about. We’ve been striving for this for over 500 years. I began my career by playing the veena for a Ram bhajan, so this is significant to me,” says Mahadevan, who, along with Kailash Kher, Akriti Kakkar and Shaan, released the number that earned praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“My friend Sameer ji [Anjaan] said we should work on this song. This is one of the biggest events in Indian history. It’s a high-energy number that you can dance to, but, it also has an emotional quotient. It is very rhythmic.” Mahadevan, who also collaborated with 250 artistes to create a carnatic track for the occasion, says the numbers reflect the varied emotions that are being felt by Indians.

“The pulse of Ayodhya has been appropriately captured in this number,” says the musician, who hopes to perform at the event.

“If I get to sing four lines closer to the Pran Pratishtha, I’ll be very happy.”

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Composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan reached Ayodhya yesterday with his wife, Sangeeta Mahadevan. “I attended the dinner hosted by the royal family of Ayodhya,” says the Padma Shri recipient, who is excited about the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony today. “I will be attending the ceremony with my wife and I hope to sing a couple of lines for Shri Ram in Ayodhya today,” the 56-year-old says.

Ask if he’s done any prep for the ceremony, and Shankar says, “I will wear a traditional kurta, a silk veshti and a silk angavastram. My wife will be wearing a traditional saree.”

The musician’s song bhajan, Ram Anthem, which has been sung by him and singers Shaan, Kailash Kher and Akriti Kakar, was shared by PM Narendra Modi on X yesterday. “I was thrilled when PM Modi shared my song on social media. It’s such an encouragement for artistes like us,” says Shankar, who started his career with a Ram bhajan.

“My journey as a musician started with a devotional song, Ram Bhajan Kar Man, where I played the veena and it was sung by (late legend) Lata Mangeshkar ji. I was 11 back then,” he ends.

Anu Malik landed in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) yesterday and travelled to Ayodhya by road. “My travel to the city was amazing. Every 10 metres, there’s a portrait of Ram on the way to Ayodhya. It’s such a beautiful feeling,” says the composer, who is excited about being part of the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony today.

Sharing how he feels about being on the guest list, Malik says, “The feeling right now is unbelievable, indescribable and amazing. It’s a very emotional moment for me. I feel blessed that I have been invited. I will stay in Ayodhya today and return to Mumbai tomorrow.”

He adds, “My bhajan Ram Ka Dham, sung by Kailash Kher, is among the seven bhajans tweeted by our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. I am really happy about that too.”

Malik is representing his entire family in Ayodhya. He shares, “I got new ethnic clothes stitched, keeping the occasion in mind. I thank our PM and the Ram bhakts for making this moment possible. My family has told me what they want me to pray at the ceremony today. I will be praying on everyone’s behalf.”

Sachin Pilgaonkar is revisiting his past after 49 years. After lip syncing to Mangal Bhawan Amangal Haari in the film Geet Gaata Chal (1975) that he starred in, now the senior actor has re-rendered the song on the occasion of the Ram Temple inaugural today. Pilgaonkar, who has sung over 200 songs, debuted in the devotional space and lent his voice for Ramayan Ki Chaupaiyan Ram Siya Ram.

“It is a God-sent opportunity for me. Few chaupaiyans were picturized on me in my first lead role and people do relate them with me. That’s why the makers felt I’d be apt for this. Ek madhur bhaav hai inmein,” he says. While the original was sung by Jaspal Singh with music and lyrics by Ravindra Jain, this song has been composed by Deepak Pandit.

Looking forward to the ceremony in Ayodhya today, the 66-year-old actor and filmmaker says, “I can’t wait to go to Ayodhya, but I will go there jab Ram ji bulayenge. Nothing can happen without his wish. I am waiting for that call. For now, I am happy that I was able to connect with him through this song. I will be singing the song at home during the ceremony. Main aankhen band karke Ram ji ke darshan man mein kar loonga,” he ends.

Sonu Nigam is all set to travel to Ayodhya today be part of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony tomorrow. The musician says, “It’s something really historic and I feel very special to be one of the few invitees in a country that has a population of more than a billion.”

Talking to us about his prep for the big day, the Padma Shri recipient says, “I am allowing myself to be surprised. I have no preconceived ideas about what’s in store for me. I know there will be a lot of protocols, crazy security and an atmosphere of utmost devotion all around. I have got new clothes made for the event. I have also been invited for a special dinner tonight by the trustees of the Ram Mandir. So, I am looking forward to experiencing my true Bharat these two days.”

While Nigam, 50, is known for being passionate about devotional music, the last few months have seen him come up with over six bhajans dedicated to Ram. “I don’t think many artistes can claim the number of devotional songs I have done in my career so far. Some people associate me solely through my Hanuman Chalisa rendition, Mata Ki Bhentein, Shiv ji bhajans or Ram bhajans. This perhaps is my mother’s manifestation. She instilled devotion in me,” says the Ram Ke Hriday Mein and Avadh Mein Laute Hai Shri Ram singer.

His father’s name is Sitaram and his wife, actor Debina Bonnerjee’s mum’s name is Shabri. The village he was born in is Jairampur. So evidently, Ram has an integral connect with Gurmeet Choudhary’s life.

The actor, who became a household name because of his portrayal of Ram in Ramayan (2008) and married his co-star, Bonnerjee, who played Sita on the show, says, “I go for physical training at 4.30 am daily. On the way, I see so many posters of Ram ji. I think this is the kind of celebration that must have happened when he returned to Ayodhya back in the day. Aisi hi vibe rahi hogi. Jab main ghar se nikalta hoon aaj kal, log good morning ki jagah Ram Ram bolte hain.”

Choudhary visited the Ram Mandir construction site two years ago and made a donation too. Ask him about the amount he donated, and the actor says, “Iss baare mein naa baat karein toh achcha hai. Some things should not be talked about as a lot of belief is attached. I feel lucky that I got to do that and also play Ram in the show when I was just 24.”

Ask if a visit to Ayodhya is on the cards and the Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi actor says, “Jaise hi time milta hai, we will visit within a week. The last time Debina and I visited the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, we had prayed for our two children.”

From his work to his demeanour — Kailash Kher’s love for spirituality reflects in everything he does. Speaking to us at his studio in Mumbai, the Padma Shri recipient says he has recorded 21 songs on Ram there. Ahead of the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the musician has been releasing a new song daily on his YouTube channel, with the latest ones being Ram Ka Dham and Hey Ram.

The 50-year-old tells us, “I sang Ram Dhun for the film Main Atal Hoon. We have released around seven to eight songs so far and plan for more. I collaborated with (singer-actor) Amruta Fadnavis ji (wife of Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister) for the song Hey Ram.”

Excited about attending the ceremony in Ayodhya on Monday, the Teri Deewani hitmaker says he has customized his clothes for the big day: “Humare designers ne humari jacket pe Swarovski aur American diamonds se Jai Shri Ram likhwaya hai. Another jacket has the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and Jai Siya Ram written all over. The atmosphere in the country is like that of a family celebration.”

Ask what continues to draw him towards devotional music and Kher says, “Humko choose nahin karne dete daata. I remember the day when I came to Mumbai with nothing and told God, ‘Humara haath pakadne wala koi nahin hai’. Today, I have 50 people in my team.”

Rap isn’t the first thing you associate with Ravi Kishan. But going behind the mic comes easy to the Bhojpuri actor. He previously tried his hand at rapping with the 2022 number, UP Mein Sab Ba, and the Gujarati-Bhojpuri track, Gujarat Ma Modi Chhe, later in the same year.

Now, the actor has not only featured in the devotional song, Ayodhya Ke Shri Ram, but also rapped in it. For him, the song, which released yesterday, carries “the hopes of millions.” “It isn’t just a song, it’s a homecoming. Every verse thrums with the joy of a dream coming true,” says Kishan, who plays a devotee of Lord Ram in Mahak Chaudhury’s music video.

“I am a Ram bhakt in real life, and there is nothing more gratifying than getting an opportunity to play the role of Lord Ram’s devotee. So, I immediately said yes to the music video. The construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a historical event. Ayodhya Ke Shri Ram is a small tribute to Lord Ram.”

The actor-MP, who was recently seen in Mission Raniganj (2023), won’t be able to attend the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested us to light a lamp at our nearest temple. So, I’ll be engaged in the temple cleanliness drive in my constituency, Gorakhpur. But I’ll surely visit the Ram Mandir soon.”