Addinath Kothare is all set to play Bharat in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Interestingly, the actor’s journey into the film began with an audition for Lakshman, not Bharat. In a conversation with Mid-Day, Addinath revealed that he waited around six months before learning that he had been selected for a different role. The actor also opened up about the film’s extensive preparation and why being part of the Ramayana universe feels like divine intervention.
1. Addinath Kothare Initially Auditioned For Lakshman
Addinath Kothare revealed that he first auditioned for the role of Lakshman in Ramayana. The character was used as a benchmark during casting, helping the makers assess whether an actor would fit into the family dynamics and the larger world of the epic.
“Lakshman was a benchmark character, most actors had tested for that part,” Addinath told Mid-Day, explaining that the audition was intended to help the team understand how performers would fit into the film’s ensemble.
2. Six Months Later, He Was Offered The Role Of Bharat
After auditioning for Lakshman, Addinath waited approximately six months before receiving a call informing him that he had been selected to play Bharat instead.
The unexpected change turned out to be a significant opportunity for the actor. Rather than playing Rama’s devoted younger brother Lakshman, he would portray Bharat, another central figure in the epic whose loyalty to Rama shapes a crucial part of the story.
3. Addinath Calls His Ramayana Journey Divine Intervention
Addinath sees a special connection between his recent projects and the world of the Ramayana. He also plays Ravana in Nayyi Navelli, making his association with two mythology-inspired productions particularly meaningful to him.
He described Nayyi Navelli as a fantasy rooted in mythology, while viewing Ramayana as a retelling of a culturally significant epic. For the actor, being part of both projects feels like “divine intervention”.
Addinath also reflected on Bharat’s importance to the larger story, saying that every character in the Ramayana is deeply rooted in Indian culture.
4. Bharat’s Role Holds A Crucial Place In The Epic
Bharat is one of the four sons of King Dasharatha and the younger brother of Rama. His place in the story becomes especially significant when Kaikeyi asks Dasharatha to send Rama into exile for 14 years and secure the throne for Bharat.
Bharat’s response to this turn of events establishes his loyalty and devotion to Rama. His character is remembered for refusing to treat the throne as a personal victory and for honouring his elder brother’s rightful place.
For Addinath, portraying Bharat means taking on a character whose importance goes far beyond his position within the royal family.
5. Ramayana Has Been Years In The Making
The upcoming film is an ambitious adaptation of the ancient epic, bringing together a large cast and a major creative team. Director Nitesh Tiwari has been working on the project alongside producer Namit Malhotra, with extensive effort going into the screenplay, research, production design and visual effects.
The scale of the project has made it one of the most anticipated Indian films. Addinath has spoken about the preparation and dedication involved, highlighting how much work goes into creating the world of Ayodhya, Lanka, Mithila and Chitrakoot for the screen.
6. Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi And A Star-Studded Cast
Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Addinath Kothare plays Bharat, while the wider ensemble includes Sunny Deol, Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi and other prominent actors.
The film is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation, with the first instalment scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, and the second part expected in 2027.
The casting of familiar characters has already generated considerable interest, with audiences keen to see how the filmmakers bring the epic to life.
7. Addinath Kothare’s Casting Story Adds To The Buzz
The revelation that Addinath auditioned for Lakshman before being cast as Bharat offers a glimpse into the casting process behind a production of this scale. It also highlights how auditions can lead actors towards roles they may not initially have expected.
For Addinath, the eventual selection has become a defining professional opportunity. With Ramayana approaching its theatrical release, his portrayal of Bharat will introduce him to a much wider audience as part of one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious mythological projects.
KnowBuddys Take
He auditioned for Lakshman, waited six months, and ended up as Bharat. Addinath Kothare’s Ramayana casting story is a reminder that sometimes the role you walk in for isn’t the one waiting for you. Now, he’s part of a massive cinematic retelling of an epic that generations have grown up hearing.
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