Rewind to 1987, the year Indian television history was rewritten with ‘Ramayan’. Amidst the frenzy of selecting actors for Valmiki’s immortal characters, Sunil Lahri walked into Ramanand Sagar’s office dreaming of immortality as Lakshman. The role demanded a performer who could capture unwavering loyalty, battlefield prowess, and emotional depth – qualities Lahri possessed in abundance.
His audition was electric. Scenes of Lakshman building the bridge to Lanka, standing sentinel through sleepless nights, came alive through his performance. Yet, Sagar paused, then made a pivotal call. ‘You’re not Lakshman,’ he told Lahri, ‘but you’re perfect for Sumitra Nandan.’
Who is Sumitra Nandan? In the epic’s expansive canvas, he’s the youngest prince of Ayodhya, born to Queen Sumitra alongside Lakshman. Less spotlighted than his brothers, his presence symbolizes the complete royal lineage. Lahri infused the role with charm, making every dialogue and glance memorable.
The gamble paid off spectacularly. ‘Ramayan’ didn’t just air – it united a nation. Families gathered weekly, temples echoed with dialogues, and Lahri became a star in his own right. ‘Rejection taught me resilience,’ he shared in a recent podcast. ‘Sumitra Nandan gave me a family of 1.5 billion fans.’
In today’s streaming era, where epics are rebooted endlessly, the original ‘Ramayan’ endures. Lahri’s story is a masterclass in serendipity, proving that in the unpredictable realm of casting, true stars shine brightest in roles tailored by destiny. As he reprises nostalgia at live shows, the message is clear: sometimes, missing the expected path leads to legendary destinations.