Actor Suhail Nayyar has revealed the unexpected role that led to his casting as Vanar Raj Sugriva in Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated film, ‘Ramayana’. Nayyar, previously known for his portrayal of Tommy in ‘Udta Punjab’, shared insights into how a past performance unexpectedly secured him one of Indian cinema’s most significant current roles.
During an interview with Variety India, Nayyar recounted receiving a call from Mukesh Chhabra for the part, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. He then revealed a conversation with director Nitesh Tiwari on his first day on set. “Nitesh sir told me that he had loved my performance in ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha’ and that was one of the reasons he saw me as Sugriva in ‘Ramayana: Part Two’,” Nayyar stated, finding it incredibly reassuring.
Addressing the immense responsibility that accompanies such a revered character, Nayyar emphasized, “I genuinely believe some parts come to you through something larger than yourself. When a character has lived in people’s consciousness for generations, you don’t take that lightly. It feels like an honor, but it also comes with a greater responsibility.” While tight-lipped about specific details, he affirmed his understanding of the role’s weight and his commitment to doing it justice.
Looking ahead, Nayyar has a diverse array of projects in his pipeline, including ‘Udta Teer’, ‘Single Papa’ Season 2, ‘Ramayana: Part Two’, and Vir Das’s ‘Baara Number’. He expressed his excitement for this varied slate, stating, “They’re all very different from each other, which is what excites me the most. I’ve always wanted to move between different worlds rather than be confined to one kind of part. It feels like a very exciting phase for me as an actor.” Fans interested in the latest developments in Indian cinema can find more news in our Entertainment section.
‘Ramayana’ is planned as a two-part epic, with the first installment slated for a global release in October 2026, coinciding with Diwali, and the second part following in Diwali 2027. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Arun Govil as King Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Indra Krishnan as Sumitra, Vivek Oberoi as Vidythjiva, Shobana as Kaikesi, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Kunal Kapoor as Indra, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, and Anupam Kher lending his voice to Jatayu.
Source: Original Source
