Ajinkya Deo credits Nitesh Tiwari for his grounded portrayal of Sage Vishwamitra in Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi’s ‘Ramayana’: ‘I believe I was chosen’
As excitement continues to grow around Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of ‘Ramayana’, the makers have unveiled the first look of veteran actor Ajinkya Deo as Sage Vishwamitra. Speaking about portraying one of the most respected figures in the epic, the actor said the experience felt deeply spiritual, adding that he believes he was destined to play the revered sage.Sharing his thoughts on essaying Vishwamitra, Ajinkya said he never looked at the role as just another character in a film. “I believe that I was chosen to play Vishwamitra. In ‘Ramayana,’ the characters are chosen by the Lord himself. That is my belief.” The actor explained that the transformation became even more meaningful once he stepped into the elaborate costume and prosthetic makeup designed for the role.
Ajinkya Deo on how the transformation felt like a divine calling
Talking to Variety India, Ajinkya recalled that wearing the sage’s attire made him feel as though the character had accepted him rather than the other way around.”When I was adorned with the attire of the sage, it involved very intricate makeup. Rather than me trying to adopt Vishwamitra, I felt it was almost as if Sage Vishwamitra had approved of my existence as him.” He added that the encouraging reactions from the cast and crew further strengthened his confidence.”The kind of feedback I received from people on set was, ‘Wow, you look perfect. You look like you were made for this role.'”
Nitesh Tiwari wanted an honest performance
Ajinkya credited director Nitesh Tiwari for ensuring his portrayal remained grounded despite the larger-than-life stature of the legendary sage.”I have to give the credit to Nitesh Tiwari. He did not let me go overboard or try to make the character larger than life because Vishwamitra is already that. The look itself was extremely strong and Nitesh ensured the performance remained truthful.”
Vishwamitra’s crucial role in ‘Ramayana’
In the epic, Sage Vishwamitra plays a pivotal role in shaping Lord Ram’s destiny. He takes Ram and Lakshman away from Ayodhya to safeguard his sacred yajna, introduces the princes to divine weapons and later guides them to Mithila, where Lord Ram meets Sita, setting several defining events of the story in motion.
Star-studded cast of ‘Ramayana’
Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, ‘Ramayana’ features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.Ajinkya Deo’s portrayal of Sage Vishwamitra is expected to be one of the film’s key supporting performances, with his newly unveiled look offering audiences their first glimpse of the veteran actor’s transformation into the iconic sage. Go to Source
