Arun Govil Reflects on Lav Kush: A Misstep in His Iconic Career

Arun Govil, renowned for his role as Lord Rama in Ramayan, discusses the pressures he faced while taking on the role of Lakshman in the film Lav Kush. He reflects on the film's failure and how it impacted his career. Despite this setback, Govil continues to engage with the Ramayana narrative, recently portraying King Dashrath in a new adaptation. His legacy remains strong, as he is still affectionately called 'Ramji' by fans, even as he serves in politics. The Ramayana's influence in Indian cinema persists, with the latest adaptation achieving remarkable box office success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 11, 2026, 11:58 IST

The Pressure of Playing Lakshman

Arun Govil, famed for his legendary role as Lord Rama in the classic TV series Ramayan by Ramanand Sagar, has shared insights into the professional challenges he encountered when asked to portray a different character within the same mythological framework. Despite his initial hesitations, he was cast as Lakshman in the 1997 film Lav Kush, a choice he now considers a miscalculation that led to the film's lack of success.

Govil recounted that he had clearly advised the producers against his casting as Lakshman due to his strong association with Rama. Nevertheless, the production team was adamant about his participation, prompting him to ultimately accept the role. The film, featuring Jeetendra as Lord Rama, failed to connect with viewers, and Govil remarked on its inability to gain traction upon release.

Analyzing the Lav Kush Disappointment

Lav Kush, produced by Dilip Kanikaria and directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao, was a high-budget venture that included a star-studded cast, such as Jaya Prada as Sita, Dara Singh as Hanuman, and Pran as Valmiki. Despite the impressive lineup, the film was a major box-office failure, reportedly grossing only ₹43 lakh after its release in July 1997. Govil believes that the casting decisions played a crucial role in this disappointing outcome, as they did not align with audience expectations.

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Govil's career remains closely tied to his portrayal in the 1987 series. Even years later, he is often referred to as 'Ramji' by fans, a phenomenon that continues even as he has ventured into politics. As a Member of Parliament for the Meerut constituency, he notes that constituents approach him with the same reverence they have for the character he once embodied.

Engaging with Ramayana in New Ways

Despite his mixed feelings about the 1997 film, Govil has remained connected to the Ramayana narrative throughout his career. Recently, he reprised his association with the epic in Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation, Ramayana, where he portrayed King Dashrath, Lord Rama's father. This new version features Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role, alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.

The Ramayana's enduring presence in Indian cinema continues to be a powerful cultural influence. The latest film adaptation has reportedly earned over ₹600 crore globally within its first five days of release, underscoring Govil's lasting impact from his original performance in the beloved 1980s television series.