Mumbai, July 7, 2025 : Singer and activist Chinmayi Sripada has come out strongly in defense of actor Ranbir Kapoor, who has faced criticism over his casting as Lord Rama in the upcoming film Ramayana. The backlash stems from a resurfaced old interview where Kapoor mentioned enjoying beef, prompting outrage from sections of social media who questioned his suitability to portray a revered Hindu deity.

Addressing the issue, Chinmayi posted a sharp statement on social media, calling out what she described as selective outrage. She wrote that in a country where religious leaders accused of serious crimes are granted parole and political protection, it is ironic that someone’s dietary preferences are considered more offensive than criminal behavior. "A babaji who uses the name of God can be a rapist and still get parole to win votes in bhakt India, but what someone eats becomes a national issue," she remarked, highlighting the hypocrisy in public discourse.

Chinmayi’s comments follow the recent release of visuals from the Ramayana set, where Ranbir Kapoor is seen portraying Lord Rama alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita. While many fans appreciated the casting and Kapoor’s preparation for the role, others resurfaced his old comments on beef consumption and criticized the filmmakers for choosing him.

Veteran actors and public figures have weighed in on the matter. Mukesh Khanna, known for his role as Bhishma in the TV series Mahabharat, previously expressed discomfort with Kapoor playing Lord Rama. However, his concerns were more focused on screen presence and cultural alignment than on personal lifestyle.

The debate has sparked a broader discussion about the expectations placed on actors who portray religious figures. Some argue that actors must personally embody the ideals of the characters they portray, while others contend that professional performance and acting skills should be the only criteria.

For his part, Ranbir Kapoor had earlier expressed deep respect for the role, calling it a dream to play Lord Rama. He has reportedly undergone significant preparation, including physical training and script immersion. Sources close to the production reveal that the film set has strict protocols, including a no-phone policy, to prevent leaks and maintain the sanctity of the characters’ visuals.

Chinmayi’s statement has found support among fans and artists who believe that private dietary choices should not determine a person’s worthiness to play a mythological character. Many have echoed her sentiment that moral judgment should be reserved for actions with real-world consequences, not personal lifestyle decisions.

As Ramayana continues filming, the controversy highlights how deeply personal beliefs and public image intersect in India’s entertainment industry. While the film aims to retell a cherished epic, it has also become a flashpoint for conversations around religious sensitivity, personal freedom, and performative outrage.

Chinmayi’s response stands as a bold commentary on a society where, too often, symbolic issues are amplified while more serious matters are overlooked. Whether the debate will impact the film’s reception remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly reignited questions about the lines between personal choice, public responsibility, and artistic freedom.