Priyanka Chopra was the first choice to play Surpanakha in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Reports

Priyanka Chopra is not starring in the upcoming Ramayana

Fans are eagerly awaiting Ranbir Kapoor and Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated epic saga, Ramayana. The lead cast of the film has already started shooting the major sequences, with several photos from the set going viral on social media.

Some of the cast members have also been finalised, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Meanwhile, Rakul Preet Singh has been roped in to play the role of Ravana’s sister Surpanakha. However, there have been recent reports that suggested that Rakul Preet was not the first choice of the makers for the role.

According to ETimes, the makers were considering casting the global icon Priyanka Chopra to play the role of Surpanakha in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana.

The source close to the production informed the outlet, “Surpanakha is one of the main reasons the Ramayan took place. The makers were keen on having Priyanka Chopra for the same role. But things didn't work out owing to her packed schedule with international projects. That's when Rakul came on board. She fitted the role perfectly and brought intensity and a fresh take to the character.”

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Priyanka may not be a part of Ramayana, but she would soon make a major comeback in the Indian film industry. She will star in SS Rajamouli's next project, SSMB29, alongside Mahesh Babu.

Meanwhile, Ramayana will be released in two parts, with Ramayana Part: 1 releasing on Diwali 2026, followed by Ramayana Part: 2 on Diwali 2027. Ranbir has already completed his portions of the filming, while Yash is filming for his parts in Mumbai.

The upcoming film also features Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Laxman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodri and Lara Dutta as Kakeyi.