Salman Khan Was to Become Ram, Shooting Had Also Started, But a Director's Mistake and Personal Relationships Led to the Shutdown of This Big Film.
Salman Khan: The tradition of historical and mythological films in Bollywood is as old as it is intriguing. Among these stories is one about a film that was left unfinished — and that too, with Salman Khan, the biggest superstar of the time. Today, as discussions about Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated Ramayana film are in full swing, an old anecdote is once again in the spotlight. Did you know that in the 90s, Salman Khan was also going to play the role of Lord Rama?
When Salman Became Ram: Sohail Khan's Ambition
In the early 90s, Salman Khan's career was at its peak. After the superhit films like 'Maine Pyar Kiya' and 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun,' he became the first choice of every producer and director. At the same time, his brother Sohail Khan dreamt of becoming a director and after debuting with the film 'Auzaar,' he envisioned a grand project — bringing the Ramayana to the screen. For this project, he cast Salman Khan as Lord Rama. According to reports, 40 percent of the film's shooting had already been completed. Salman had also done some promotional work in the guise of Ram.
Sonali Bendre Was to Become Sita
In the film's star cast, Sonali Bendre, one of the top actresses of that time, was given the role of Sita. Considering Sonali's innocent image and beautiful acting, she was considered the perfect choice. Along with this, Pooja Bhatt was also taken in a prominent role. This character could have been Ravana's sister Surpanakha or possibly Mandodari, although this was never officially confirmed.
When Love Came in the Way of the Film
The real twist in the story came when Sohail Khan and Pooja Bhatt started getting closer. During the shooting, their off-screen relationship deepened, and discussions about marriage started. Pooja Bhatt had also hinted at her personal life in a 1995 interview. But Salim Khan did not like this relationship. He clearly advised Sohail to stay away from this relationship.
The Film's Story Derails
When the family's disagreement came to the fore, the situation started to change. Pooja Bhatt decided to leave the film. With her departure, the film's shooting came to a standstill, and despite a b script, the project got stuck. Some sources believe that Sohail Khan was taking this project very seriously on a personal level and had also become emotionally attached to it. As soon as Pooja left, he lost interest in the project, and the film was eventually shut down.
The Most Grand Ramayana Remained Incomplete
If this film had been completed, it would probably have been the first grand mythological film in Bollywood in which a superstar like Salman would have appeared in the role of Lord Ram. But due to personal feelings, family pressure, and an unfinished vision, this film never reached the audience. In Bollywood, big dreams often remain incomplete, but the story of Salman's Ramayana is still alive like an untold tale.
Today's Ramayana vs. Salman's Ramayana
Today, in the Ramayana being directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ranbir Kapoor is playing the role of Lord Rama. Along with him, Sai Pallavi will be seen as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. Since the first glimpse, the excitement about the film is at its peak. But Salman's incomplete Ramayana has definitely shown that the fate of every story is decided — no matter how big the stars in it may be.
