Exclusive - Shrimad Ramayan's Sujay Reu: There can never be any comparison with Arun Govil ji and Shri Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan as it is not just a show but a part of our culture

Sujay Reu, renowned for his depiction of Lord Ram in Shrimad Ramayan, has been earning praise for his portrayal in the mythological role. In a recent interview with ETimes TV, he emphasized that securing the role was a pivotal moment in his career. He discussed the comparisons drawn with Arun Govil and the pressure associated with portraying such a revered character. Sujay also highlighted the significant role played by producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary in helping him prepare for the character of Lord Ram. He expressed happiness about the show's success with a radiant smile. (Photo: Instagram)

It is a very big opportunity for me to play Lord Ram’s character and I would like to thank the audience for accepting me in this character. When I got the offer I was very nervous because I did not know how the audience would react and whether they would accept me or not? It was a huge responsibility. It is just not a job, it is a very big responsibility to portray this role. The response has been great and audiences have accepted me and this is a big deal for me. (Photo: Instagram)

I consider Shrimad Ramayan the turning point of my career and in many ways. Just not as an actor but also as a human being when I’m playing this role, I’m getting to learn so many new things. I’m getting a chance to know about Lord Shri Ram and about his life. We have seen, heard and many of us have read Ramayan but when I started to play the role is when I actually started to know deeply about him. Uska affect bhi mere life par dikh raha hai. I am learning each day while working on Shrimad Ramayan. (Photo: Instagram)

I have been receiving overwhelming response and feedback. Even the youngsters are connecting with the show. I don’t use social media as such but through my costars and from the production people and friends I keep getting information. I feel very happy and proud. Not just social media when we are shooting we have many people who visit our show and they share their experiences. (Photo: Instagram)

Many people especially travel from different states to meet us, they touch our feet, get emotional because they are so connected with us. These things are very new for me and hence I also get emotional sometimes because of the love, devotion they have for Shri Ram. They see glimpses of him in me. This is a very big thing for me and all this is very new for me. (Photo: Instagram)

The first thing my producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary told me was don’t take stress at all. He could see I was very nervous and stressed. He knew that it was a very big responsibility so he calmed me down. He showed faith in me and told me that I’ve the capability to pull off this role. The most valuable tip he gave me to play Lord Ram was that Shri Ram will never react but will respond. (Photo: Instagram)

This line was very important for me because it sums up the entire character of Lord Ram. He asked me to portray all the emotions through my eyes and not use facial expressions. Tumhari aakhein bolni chahiye he told me. He told me if you manage to express every emotion through your eyes and crack the iconic smile that Shri Ram has you will nail the character. He never went into over detailing. (Photo: Instagram)

There is a conscious change in me that I want to treat people very respectfully. It’s not like I used to not respect people earlier but now I’ve learnt the importance of it. People today don’t have time to listen to anyone. When they are talking they want to say and not hear what the other person has to say. So now my goal is always to listen to people and see if I can be of any help to them or bring a smile on someone’s face. Because whenever someone vents out their feelings, they tend to feel lighter. I am developing this habit so that I can positively influence my family and friends or people around me. (Photo: Instagram)

I never took the pressure of being compared to Arun Govil ji. There can never be any comparison with Arun Govil ji and Shri Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan. It is not a show but a part of our culture. Everyone has grown up watching the Ramayan. We used the Ramayan as a benchmark for everything. I can’t compare myself with that show. We just had to cater to the image that everyone has in their minds about Shri Ram. (Photo: Instagram)

There was a lot of pressure and I was nervous about the audience not liking my work. Because this is not an everyday character, I was not playing a bank employee or doctor, I was playing Shri Ram. There was a challenge and fear if I’ll be accepted as Shri Ram. But fortunately, it did not happen. (Photo: Instagram)