The first trailer of Ramayana has given us a sneak peek of several iconic characters from the Indian mythological epic that are set to appear in the Nitesh Tiwari movie, with top actors portraying the crucial roles. But one brief glimpse has created a lot of curiosity on the internet. Rakul Preet Singh might have appeared on screen for just a few seconds, but her glimpse is one of the most talked-about moments in the trailer, with fans and movie buffs wanting to know more about her part. For the unversed, Rakul plays Shurpanakha. Here’s more to know about the woman integral to the story of Lord Ram.
While Ranbir Kapoor’s Rama and Yash’s Ravana have been the most discussed characters, alongside Sai Pallavi’s Sita, Rakul’s character is one that seems to be pivotal in changing the course of the entire story.
Rakul Preet Singh will be seen in Ramayana
Who is Shurpanakha?
Shurpanakha is one of the most important supporting characters in . In Hindu mythology, she is the younger sister of the king of Lanka, Ravana. Her scholarly and mighty brother is remembered for setting into motion the conflict that eventually leads to the epic battle between Rama and Ravana.
Shurpanakha’s name means “one with fingernails like winnowing baskets,” but in many retellings she is a shape-shifting rakshasi (demoness) who can change her appearance at will.
Rakul Preet Singh plays Shurpanakha in Ramayana
Her connection with Lord Ram
Shurpanakha met Ram, Sita and Lakshman when the trio was in exile in the forest. According to Hindu mythology, she got pleased and mesmerised at the sight of Ram and proposed marriage to him. Ram politely refused, saying that he was already married to Sita, and directed her in a humorous way to Lakshman.
Lakshman too turned her away. In a rage of humiliation, Shurpanakha then tried to attack Sita. In retaliation, Lakshman cuts off her nose and ears, an episode which becomes one of the defining incidents of the epic.
Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman
How does Shurpanakha alter the story of Ramayana?
Humiliated, Shurpanakha returns to Lanka and tells Ravana about her insult and Sita’s extraordinary beauty. This motivates Ravana by revenge and lust, and he plans to kidnap Sita and uses Maricha’s illusion of a golden deer to lure her out.
Sita’s kidnapping is the major turning point of the , leading Ram to form alliances, travel to Lanka, and wage the legendary war against Ravana. In short, if it weren’t for Shurpanakha’s encounter in the forest, many of the defining events of the epic may never have taken place.
Fans post about Rakup Preet’s glimpse in Ramayana trailer on social media
Fans react to Rakul’s look
Soon after the trailer was released, social media users started talking about Rakul’s transformation. Many viewers loved the striking look, calling it one of the trailer’s unexpected highlights. Others said they were excited to see Shurpanakha getting more narrative weight instead of being a short plot device. A few mythology fans also expect the film to explore her motivations and emotional perspective more than many previous adaptations.
Shurpanakha may come fairly early in the Ramayana, but her part is fundamental to all that follows. She represents the moment where a personal rejection turns into a conflict that affects kingdoms, families and ultimately the balance between good and evil, leading to the climactic war that ended with Ravana’s final defeat.