Actor Arun Govil has arrived in Ayodhya ahead of the consecration ceremony for Ram Lalla at the Ram Mandir on January 22. Renowned for his portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s legendary series Ramayan, Govil expressed his profound connection with the epic since his childhood.
In an interview with Doordarshan, he shared that growing up in a middle-class household, Ramayan was a daily ritual, with his mother encouraging him to read the text independently. Reflecting on the challenge of understanding the Awadhi language in which it was written, Govil warmly recollected the family’s daily gatherings for prayers in the morning and evening.
Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan graced DD National from 1987 to 1988, featuring Ashok Kumar as the narrator. Arun Govil portrayed the character of Ram, while Dipika Chikhlia and Sunil Lahri took on the roles of Goddess Sita and Lord Laxman, respectively.
In a recent interview, Govil revealed that the virtues of his character profoundly influenced him during the show’s production. When Ramanand Sagar initially approached him for the role, Govil insisted on playing Ram, driven by his deep childhood connection with the epic Ramayan.
Portraying the role of Lord Ram, Arun Govil shared that the experience helped him cultivate courage, motivation, and strength, making him deserving of embodying such a significant character. Now 66 years old, Govil, who was in his 30s during the television show, revealed his ongoing involvement in a film centered around the Ram temple.
Titled “695,” the movie is set to release on January 19, 2024, just ahead of the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. Additionally, Govil, alongside Dipika Chikhlia and Sunil Lahri, has collaborated on a song titled “Humare Ram Aayenge,” featuring the melodious voice of Sonu Nigam.