What makes Lord Ram relatable is that…

Mumbai, January 2, 2025: Sony SAB's ‘Shrimad Ramayan’ captures the epic tale of Lord Ram (Sujay Reu) and Sita (Prachi Bansal). In an exclusive interview, Sujay Reu reflects on his journey as the show celebrates a successful year on television. From portraying the calm and composed demeanour of Lord Ram to reliving some of the most powerful moments from the show, Sujay Reu shares how he has immersed himself in the role. 

1.    How has your journey been over the past year and your thoughts on reaching this milestone?
I can’t believe it’s already been a year since the show launched. It has truly been an amazing experience, and I feel so fortunate to be part of such a special show. Playing Lord Ram was a tremendous honour for me as an actor, and being associated with this role has given me lots of love from the audience. Their encouragement is what made this milestone possible.

2.    Looking back, what were your favourite scenes or moments from the show?
Ramayana is filled with incredible moments, and almost every scene has been special and memorable for me. However, if I had to choose a few highlights, the first would be my entry sequence. In this scene, I performed the Ganga Aarti with a beautiful Ram Bhajan playing in the background. Walking down the steps of the ghat and performing the Aarti was a surreal experience, and when I saw the final shot, I could hardly believe it was me on screen. Another favourite is the Swayamvar sequence, which was shot beautifully. Sita Haran sequence is also very close to my heart. The way the story built up to Shri Ram discovering Sita’s abduction and expressing his emotions was incredibly powerful. Each of these sequences were executed with meticulous attention to detail—from the stunning visuals to the evocative music—which added a unique charm and beauty to every moment.

3.    What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while portraying Lord Ram on screen, and how did you overcome them?
With the establishment of Ram Lalla taking place this year and the show launching in January, there was a great deal of anticipation surrounding how it would turn out and who would play Shri Ram? One of the most challenging aspects was embodying Shri Ram’s calmness, composure, compassion, and patience in every scene. Conveying these qualities through facial expressions, eyes, and body language required immense focus. Maintaining his aura in every moment demanded effort and dedication. The weather conditions were another hurdle. We often filmed on the beach during the scorching summer, barefoot on the hot sand, which was extremely challenging. Despite these difficulties playing Shri Ram is a rare and special opportunity for an actor and I saw it as both a responsibility and a privilege, finding joy in overcoming each hurdle along the way.

4.    How has your bond with your co-stars, especially the actors playing Luv and Kush, been?
The bond I share with Luv and Kush—that is, Shaurya and Atharva—is very special. We keep posting clips from the set when we shoot together. Both of them are incredibly sweet kids, always laughing and playing. Despite the demanding workload, I have never seen them feeling low or tired. Both are extremely talented, and the positive vibe they bring to the set makes working with them truly enjoyable. After pack-up, we often play badminton together, and we’ve even had cricket matches. It’s a wonderful connection, and I genuinely enjoy shooting with them, hanging out, and spending time together after work.

5.    What are some of the lessons have you learned from playing Lord Ram?
One of the most significant lessons I have learnt is patience and compassion, strengthening bonds and fostering deeper understanding with others. Another key lesson from Shri Ram’s life is how to handle adversities. Despite the many challenges he faced, he never lost his composure or compromised his principles. This teaches us that during tough times, it’s important to remain calm, hold onto our values, and make the right choices. 

6.    What do you think makes Ramayan resonate so deeply with audiences, even today?
I believe that while we worship Shri Ram as a deity and regard him as a God, what makes him truly relatable is that he lived as a human and never showcased his divine powers. Despite possessing immense abilities, he chose to live life humanly, uplifting those around him and guiding them through his actions. Also, the challenges Shri Ram faced in his life remain relevant even today. Whether it was his separation from Sita Ji or the family conflict over succession, these struggles mirror issues we continue to see in families and societies. Just as Shri Ram confronted Ravan back then, we face "Ravans" in various forms today.

7.    As the show progresses, what are you most excited for the audience to see in the upcoming tracks?
I am eagerly waiting for the reunion of Lord Ram and Sita. The moment when Luv and Kush meet Shri Ram, and he learns that they are his sons and that the forest woman they mentioned is Sita Ji, will be incredibly poignant. The reunion of Lord Ram and Sita will undoubtedly be an unforgettable moment, and I am especially excited to see how this sequence comes to life on screen.