Highlights:
- Rakul Preet Singh discusses why she accepted the role of Shurpanakha.
- She says the character’s complexity drew her to the project.
- The actor responded to a fan’s open letter on X.
- Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release.
- The film features an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash.
Rakul Preet Singh has shared why she chose to portray Shurpanakha in Ramayana: Part 1, director Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated adaptation of the Indian epic. The actor said she was inspired by the opportunity to explore a character who is often remembered for only one defining moment, despite having a much more layered story.
The actor recently responded to an open letter from a fan on X, where she explained that Shurpanakha’s emotional depth and complexity made the role especially appealing. Rather than focusing on the character’s conventional portrayal, Rakul said she was interested in presenting a more nuanced perspective.
She wrote, “Thank you for this beautiful letter. What made me say yes to Surpanakha was exactly what you mentioned - her complexity. History often remembers her for one moment, but there is so much more to her story. As an actor, roles that challenge perception are the most exciting. I hope audiences discover her with an open mind when Ramayana arrives. (sic)"
The fan, Dhrubajyoti Chatterjee, had addressed Rakul in an open letter, congratulating her on the upcoming Diwali release and asking what inspired her to take on the role of a character he described as “misunderstood.” He also highlighted Shurpanakha’s importance in the epic, noting that she serves as one of the story’s major turning points.
In the Ramayana, Shurpanakha is the sister of Ravana. Her encounter with Lord Rama sets the central conflict of the epic into motion. After expressing her love for Rama and being rejected, she is humiliated when Lakshmana cuts off her nose, an incident that ultimately leads to Ravana’s actions against Rama and Sita.
The fan wrote, "Dearest @Rakulpreet #Shurpanakha isn't just a character—she's one of the most misunderstood turning points in the Ramayana. After watching the #Ramayana trailer, I felt compelled to write this open letter (sic)."
The conversation surrounding Rakul’s role gained momentum after the release of the film’s trailer on July 31. Running four minutes and nine seconds, the preview has generated significant discussion across social media, offering audiences a first look at the epic’s large-scale visual storytelling and star-studded cast.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. The two-part mythological epic has reportedly been made on a budget of approximately Rs 4,000 crore, making it one of the most ambitious and expensive film projects in Indian cinema.
The cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana, Arun Govil as King Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, Chetan Hansraj as Mali, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, and Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjiva.
Ramayana: Part 1 is slated to release during Diwali 2026, while Ramayana: Part 2 is expected to arrive in theaters during Diwali 2027.
