Indira Krishnan Reveals Taunts Over Playing Ranbir’s Mother in Ramayana
While Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological magnum opus Ramayana: Part 1 is currently scripting box-office history across India and international circuits, the journey leading up to its theatrical release was marked by intense online scrutiny and heated casting debates. When early promotional glimpses and casting announcements first confirmed that Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor would portray Lord Rama—fresh off his intense, violent turn in Animal—sections of social media erupted in criticism, resurfacing a decade-old 2011 interview clip in which the actor had spoken about eating non-vegetarian food. Now, veteran actress Indira Krishnan, who portrays Lord Rama’s revered mother, Queen Kaushalya, in the epic adaptation, has broken her silence on the hostile messages she personally received before the film hit cinemas.
Speaking candidly in an exclusive interview with News18 on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Krishnan revealed that acquaintances and social media users frequently sent her pointed, mocking texts questioning her decision to play Ranbir Kapoor’s on-screen mother. Despite the pre-release negativity across digital platforms from Mumbai and New Delhi to Lucknow and Ayodhya, Krishnan stood firmly behind her co-star, praising his quiet dignity, intense physical discipline, and complete dietary transformation during the making of the film.
‘So You’re Playing a Beef Eater’s Mother?’: The Texts Indira Krishnan Received
Recalling the storm of skepticism that surrounded the film prior to its November 5, 2026 release, Indira Krishnan shared how deeply people judged the project before watching a single complete scene. "People were almost disappointed when Ranbir was cast as Lord Rama," Krishnan told News18. "I clearly remember receiving several text messages from people saying, ‘So, you are going to play the mother of a beef eater?’ There was simply too much noise happening at that time because his old interviews about eating beef had started going viral again."
Krishnan noted that whenever an actor attempts to break away from past screen images to take on a sacred or transformative role, a segment of the online audience rushes to pull them down. In fact, the actress even revealed that Ranbir Kapoor himself had recommended her for the role of Kaushalya after the two worked together—alongside Rashmika Mandanna—on the sets of Animal, making his steadfast professionalism during Ramayana all the more meaningful to her.
Silent Dignity Amid ‘Paid Trolls’: How Ranbir Kapoor Handled the Backlash
Rather than engaging in public arguments or issuing defensive statements against online detractors, Ranbir Kapoor chose to let his craft speak on the silver screen. Applauding the 44-year-old actor’s composure under immense public pressure, Krishnan observed, "Ranbir was trolled so badly, yet that man never uttered a single word in anger or reacted to any of it. He would arrive quietly on the film set every single day and give his 200 percent. Personally, I feel some of those coordinated trolls were paid accounts run by people who did not want Ramayana to succeed."
She emphasized that before launching into online outrage, critics ought to recognize the sheer ambition required to mount an Indian cultural epic on a global cinematic scale. Comparing the atmosphere to other major releases that overcame early internet skepticism through audience love, Krishnan maintained that the sincerity of the entire cast and crew ultimately silenced doubters once theaters opened.
Strict Vegetarian Diet and Six-Hour Workouts: Ranbir’s Transformation Into Lord Rama
Offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into Ranbir Kapoor’s daily routine during filming, Indira Krishnan confirmed that the actor adopted a strict vegetarian lifestyle and rigorous physical regimen to embody the grace and serenity of Lord Rama. Having spent extensive time alongside him on set, she witnessed his discipline firsthand.
"He became a complete vegetarian throughout this entire filming process," Krishnan revealed. "I saw him eating only fruits on the set—even inside his vanity van, there were only fresh fruits. He followed an extraordinary routine: waking up early in the morning to work out for three hours, and then spending another two to three hours training in the evening. From the gentle way he spoke to crew members to his calm demeanor, he was completely on a spiritual and physical path to become Shri Rama inside and out."
Box Office Verdict Silences Critics as ‘Ramayana’ Nears ₹1,000 Crore
Whatever doubts lingered prior to release have been decisively swept away by audience turnout at the global box office. Released worldwide on November 5, 2026, Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1—starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana—has amassed ₹511.10 crore net in India and surged to ₹934.55 crore worldwide within its first seven days. With the epic poised to cross the prestigious ₹1,000 crore global milestone in its second week and Ramayana: Part 2 already slated for Diwali 2028, Indira Krishnan’s candid reflections highlight how dedication on set ultimately triumphs over online noise.
