Casting a mythological character can come with its own set of rules, and for Dev Sharma, height turned out to be an unexpectedly important one. At the trailer launch of Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha, the actor revealed that he had previously auditioned for the role of Lakshman in both Adipurush and Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited Ramayana. Neither worked out, but the reason behind one rejection was rather unusual.
Speaking about his earlier auditions, Dev said, “Before this, I was offered the role of Lakshman in both Adipurush as well as Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. My look tests were also almost finalised, but things didn’t work out.
He then explained that his physical appearance became a deciding factor in both projects. “Somewhere I was two inches taller than the actor playing Lord Rama and in another I was as huge as the actor playing Lord Rama, so I wasn’t finalised. So, I was disheartened that maybe my connection with Ramayana is not that good, that is why I am being rejected again and again.”
In Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, with Sai Pallavi as Sita and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Yash is set to portray Ravana, while Sunny Deol plays Hanuman. The ambitious two-part adaptation is reportedly being mounted on a budget of around ₹4,000 crore, with the first instalment slated for a Diwali 2026 release.
Interestingly, Dev’s Ramayana journey eventually found its way back to him, just in a different role. He is now playing Lord Ram in Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha, which also stars Anjali Arora as Sita and Rajniesh Duggall as Ravana. Directed by Abhishek Singh, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on September 25.
Dev has previously shared that he initially turned down the project when the makers approached him. His father encouraged him to hear the narration before making a decision, and the script ultimately changed his mind.
From missing out on Lakshman twice to finally stepping into the shoes of Ram, Dev Sharma’s journey with the epic has certainly taken an unexpected route. Sometimes, a casting rejection really is just a detour.
Also Read: Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha Trailer: Dev Sharma And Anjali Arora To Play Ram and Sita
