The casting of Yash as Ravana has been one of the talking points around Ramayana. But the film has another actor playing a younger version of the demon king — and he has a personal connection to the film’s producer. Raghav Malhotra, the elder son of producer Namit Malhotra, reportedly appears as young Ravana in the mythological epic.
Why was Raghav Malhotra chosen for the role?
According to an NDTV report, Raghav was selected because of his physical resemblance to Yash, who plays the adult Ravana. A source close to the film told the publication, “His physique is so similar that he looks almost like Yash’s body double.” The casting had attracted speculation before the report identified Raghav as the actor playing the younger version of the character. The role also puts the film’s producer’s son in front of the camera in a project backed by his father.
What has Yash said about playing Ravana?
Yash, who is also a co-producer of the film, has previously explained why he chose Ravana instead of Lord Rama. In an interview with The Indian Express, the actor said, “It’s important to show Ravana’s evilness to highlight Rama’s goodness.” The actor also said that the story was bigger than individual stars and that the team had kept their egos aside while making the film.
About Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part One features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. The film is planned as a two-part adaptation, with the second instalment scheduled for 2027. With Raghav playing the younger Ravana and Yash portraying the character later in life, the film brings two members of the same family into its story in an unexpected way.
