Ramayana: Sonia Balan Joins Cast as Lakshman's Wife

Mumbai, October 29: Sonia Balan has been cast as Urmila, the wife of Lakshman, in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film Ramayana. She says the chance to be part of the film and work with Ranbir Kapoor is a rare and meaningful opportunity.

Describing her character, Sonia said, "Bringing to life a story so closely tied to our culture is a very special experience. Urmila's strength, dignity and sacrifice are qualities that must be understood beyond the pages of history. For an actor, playing a character with such emotional layers is an honour and a big responsibility."

Sonia also spoke highly of the director and cast. "Working with a visionary filmmaker like Nitesh Tiwari, and sharing the screen with a superb actor like Ranbir Kapoor in such a large-scale project, makes this journey even more exciting. I hope the audience will connect with Urmila's courage and feel the moving emotions that give her story its power."

In the epic, Lakshman's wife Urmila has an important role. The film is expected to present a new emotional perspective on the Ramayana and bring her story to audiences in theatres.

As per the Valmiki Ramayana, Urmila spent the full 14 years of Lakshman's exile, when he accompanied Ram and Sita into the forest, without her husband by her side. Popular legends also say that Urmila took on Lakshman's sleep so that he could guard Ram and Sita for 14 years without rest.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita. Yash will play Ravana, Sunny Deol will appear as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey will play Lakshman.

The first part of Ramayana releases in cinemas across the world on November 5. The makers plan to release the second part during Diwali in 2027.