# Gajendra Chauhan questions Kaikeyi’s portrayal in Ramayana trailer

2026-08-12T16:05:47+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Gajendra Chauhan, who played Yudhishthir in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, has said he is not impressed by the trailer of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana film. Speaking on the Hindi Rush Podcast, he questioned Lara Dutta’s portrayal of Kaikeyi, calling her saree too modern for the traditional scene where she demands Ram’s exile. Chauhan praised Arun Govil’s casting as Dashrath, calling it the best in the film. He noted that Ranbir Kapoor looks good as Ram, but warned that a star’s existing image can clash with a mythological role. He recalled a shelved Mahabharat project with Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan as an example. The film’s first part releases on 8 November 2026.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/cant-be-too-exposed-if-playing-a-pious-character-mahabharat-star-gajendra-chauhan-on-ranbir-kapoors-ramayana-casting-11898491#publisher=newsstand>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/gajendra-chauhan-not-impressed-by-ranbir-kapoor-ramayana-trailer-but-praises-arun-govil-as-king-dashrath-mahabharat-101786526620805.html>

Tags: Bollywood, casting controversy, Gajendra Chauhan, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Ranbir Kapoor
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