Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana is set for a grand release this year. The visually impeccable saga is also the talk of the town for its stellar casting. Ever since the trailer dropped, Ramayana has got mixed reviews, with people doubting Ranbir’s casting while some questioning Sai Pallavi’s accent. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Sonia Balani, who essays the role of Urmila, opens up about her experience as new posters and songs are released.
Sonia Balani on bagging Ramayana
Sonia Balani revealed that she auditioned for the role of Urmila in Ramayana, but her first choice was Surpanakha, which is eventually being played by Rakul Preet Singh. She said, “I auditioned for Urmila’s role, but my first preference was Surpanakha, which is now being played by Rakul Preet Singh. For some reason, I really wanted to play that role. By the time I was auditioning for Urmila, I asked them if I could audition for Surpanakha as well. They told me that the role was already locked.”
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When asked about audience reactions to her appearance and comments that she looked prettier than Sai Pallavi and should have played Sita, the 27-year-old actress said, “At many places, people were writing that I looked prettier and that I should have been Sita. But honestly, I loved Sai in the film. I have seen her work, and maybe it is way too soon for people to comment like that. I am sure that once they get to see the film, they will realise that she is brilliant.”
Talking about the trailer and recent assets receiving flak, Sonia echoed Namit Malhotra’s sentiments and said it’s too soon to judge the film and one should wait for its release.
Sonia Balani on working with Ranbir Kapoor
Sonia Balani revealed that she has been a fan of Ranbir Kapoor’s work and admitted to having a huge crush on the actor. She said she was “very biased” whenever he was on set, but clarified that her admiration goes beyond his looks and comes from his performances. She beamed, “He is so good in every character that he has played. So, I don’t know how people can doubt his calibre. He has proved himself with whatever he has done in the past.”
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Talking about watching Ranbir transform into Ram during the shoot of Ramayana, Sonia said she could gradually see a change in his appearance and physique as he underwent intense preparation for it. “Gradually, during the shoot, I could see him becoming Ram. In 10-15 days, I could see a lot of change in his face and his physique,” she added.
On sharing screen space with Sai Pallavi
Sonia Balani recalled her first interaction with Sai Pallavi during the table reading for Ramayana and praised the actress for her simplicity and grounded persona. She said Sai arrived without makeup, dressed casually, which left a strong impression on her.
“We were doing a table reading, and I remember everyone looked great, including Sai Pallavi. But she was the only one who came without any makeup, just a normal tight ponytail, a shirt and denims. I was so impressed with her persona. This is the kind of simplicity I crave for in Bollywood, at times when everyone expects you to show off,” she said.
Sonia also praised Sai for being present and supportive on set, recalling a wedding sequence that required the actors to walk down several steps while wearing heavy lehengas.
“She is very present on set, I can say that, from whatever I have gauged. There was a scene during the wedding where we had to get down many steps in heavy lehengas. So, in a way, she was guiding everyone because we were scared that everyone might fall,” she remarked.
Sonia also addressed the criticism surrounding Sai’s Hindi accent and said she has seen a significant improvement in the actress’s performance.
“I think she has improved a lot. Trust me, I have seen her during the table reading and in the trailer. She has come a long way. I feel it’s very difficult because, even during The Kerala Story, we were told to pick up a Malayali accent, and it’s so difficult,” she signed off.
