You get something for which people are touching your feet even after 30 years.
Later on, you realize that plus and minus is a part of everybody’s life. But people used to say, what can we give you since your image is so strong (as Ram)? So, the commercial film scenario started becoming shaky for me. So that even I can join their next project. When you are looking for work, you give feelers by asking about the next project to those you know. When I used to go to parties, even heroines used to stand up with respect. Image plays a big role in commercial cinema. But after Ramayan, my image as Ram had become very strong.
Vikram Aur Betaal was the only serial I had done. These were the only things to read during our childhood.Īfter the success of the serial and your popularity as Ram, did your approach towards signing your next projects change?īefore Ramayan, I only used to do films. So, we read it in our childhood just like a story. The book which used to be read at our place was Ramayan. No, right from the beginning puja-paath (rituals) used to take place at my home. So, they developed shraddha even towards the person who played the character.ĭid your faith in Lord Ram increase after doing this serial? It was their shraddha (devotion) towards Ram. What is your problem?’ I said, 'no I don’t have a problem' (laughs). I asked, ‘Why are you doing this?’ He said, ‘We are just bowing down to our faith in Lord Ram. He did shashtang namaskar (prostration) and touched my feet. Our team of Ramayan had visited a big industrialist, who I won't name. But if people much older than you touch your feet, it becomes embarrassing. It is fine if people younger than you touch your feet. From that time, I felt this is going to be a hit. It had started right after 5-6 episodes the moment Ram grows up. What was your reaction when people touched your feet for the first time thinking of you as Lord Ram? It has gone into the history of not only Indian television, but also the Indian psyche. Not only the older generation, but also the new generation has seen it. It’s been happening since more than 30 years. Even in places like airport, they touch my feet. The project was such that I felt like doing it (the role).īut it proved to be a very important milestone in my career and life. But I didn’t say that because I thought it would be great for my career.
It came to my mind that I should play that character. When I came to know they are making Ramayan, I said I would like to play Ram. I had done a film with him and also the serial Vikram Aur Betaal. It wasn’t that when I decided to do the serial. How precious is the project to you, not only in terms of your career, but also your life?
You got to play the role of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s classic TV serial Ramayan. Then this film thing came into the picture. So, I thought of doing something else on my own. My brother was already a businessman in Mumbai. I read somewhere that during the start of your career, you had decided to become a businessman. Saanch Ko Aanch Nahin and Jio To Aise Jio were jubilees. Out of these Sawan Ko Aane Do was a very big hit. Later on, I did a film Jio To Aise Jio (1981). They liked my work, so they signed me for three other films - Sawan Ko Aane Do (1979), Raadha Aur Seeta (1979) and Saanch Ko Aanch Nahin (1979). I started off with Rajshri Productions' Paheli (1977) where I played the second lead. I was active in theatre during my college days. I had never thought as to what I wished to do. How did your acting journey begin? Did you always want to be an actor?