Ranbir Kapoor, director Nitesh Tiwari, actor Ravie Dubey, and producer Namit Malhotra recently engaged in a meaningful conversation with students focused on the timeless values and characters of the Ramayana. This insightful dialogue, titled “Har Yug Mein Ram: A Conversation with Young Leaders,” is set to stream on JioHotstar starting November 1.
The event is a collaborative effort by JioHotstar, the creators of the Ramayana film, and the International Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (I.I.M.U.N.). It successfully brought together approximately 20,000 students from over 500 schools across 18 cities. The aim was to delve into how the themes of duty, bravery, friendship, love, forgiveness, and sacrifice in the epic continue to influence today’s youth.
### Ranbir Kapoor on His Role as Lord Rama
Ranbir, who portrays Lord Rama in the highly-anticipated film “Ramayana: Part One,” expressed how valuable it was to connect with the students. He stated that hearing the fresh interpretations of Rama’s story from a new generation was a humbling experience. “Rama’s story has been a part of our lives for generations. Interacting with young minds allowed me to see how they relate to his journey,” Ranbir remarked, emphasizing the universal themes that resonate across different ages.
### Engaging Students with Ramayana’s Core Characters
The event took place at I.I.M.U.N.’s headquarters in Mumbai, where around 150 student leaders joined in person, and many others joined online from classrooms across the country. The students posed questions regarding the main characters and their choices in the Ramayana. They explored who they believed the true hero was, what questions they would ask Lord Rama, and which character they would like to befriend.
Producer Namit Malhotra mentioned that this dialogue is crucial for helping the youth form their own perspectives on the epic. “The Ramayana has provided us with invaluable stories and life lessons that remain relevant. As we adapt this epic for the big screen, it’s essential for young people to forge their own connections with these values,” he shared, noting how the students’ insights showed the enduring appeal of the story.
### Nitesh Tiwari and Ravie Dubey Discuss the Epic’s Impact
Director Nitesh Tiwari highlighted that the Ramayana’s charm lies not just in its grand tales but also in the personal decisions and emotions faced by its characters. “The depth of the Ramayana comes from its characters’ human experiences. As filmmakers, our role is to keep that emotional essence alive while presenting the story to a new generation,” he explained.
Ravie Dubey, who plays Lakshman, reflected on the bond between Lakshman and Rama, rooted in loyalty and duty. “Playing Lakshman allowed me to explore a relationship built on strong values. Hearing how students interpret these relationships provided me with fresh insights into my character,” Ravie noted.
The special episode is timed perfectly with the upcoming release of “Ramayana: Part One,” which is being produced by Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. The film, adapted by Shridhar Raghavan from Valmiki’s Ramayana, features a talented cast, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
“Ramayana: Part One” is set to hit cinemas globally on November 5, 2026, in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and English, with an IMAX 3D option available. Following its theatrical run, the film will be accessible on JioHotstar for on-demand viewing.
In support of the initiative, “Har Yug Mein Ram: A Conversation with Young Leaders” will premiere on JioHotstar on November 1, aiming to spread the discussions around the epic’s values to a broader audience.
