What if one of mythology’s most misunderstood characters wasn’t a villain after all? Actor Sheeba Chaddha, who plays Manthara in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, has shared her interpretation of the iconic character, saying she never viewed Manthara as evil. Instead, she believes the royal maid acted out of loyalty and a deep desire to protect Kaikeyi and Bharata.
‘She Acted Out Of Love And Fear’
Speaking about her approach to the role, Sheeba explained that she wanted to move beyond the one-dimensional image of Manthara as the woman responsible for Lord Rama’s exile. According to the actor, Manthara’s actions came from concern for Kaikeyi’s future and Bharata’s place in the kingdom. She believes the character’s motivations were rooted in protectiveness rather than malice, making her far more emotionally layered than she is often portrayed.
Reimagining A Familiar Character
Traditionally, Manthara is remembered as the advisor who persuaded Kaikeyi to claim her two boons from King Dasharatha, ultimately leading to Rama’s 14-year exile. Sheeba’s interpretation attempts to humanise the character by exploring her intentions rather than simply labelling her as the antagonist of the story.
A Star-Studded ‘Ramayana’
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara. The film is one of the biggest Indian productions ever mounted and is scheduled to release in two parts, with the first instalment arriving during Diwali 2026.
Know Buddys Take
The most memorable characters are rarely just good or evil. By looking at Manthara through the lens of loyalty instead of villainy, Sheeba Chaddha opens the door to a more nuanced conversation about one of the Ramayana’s most debated figures. Whether audiences agree or not, it’s a perspective that’s sure to spark discussion.
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