Ranbir Kapoor is reportedly set to receive Rs 75 crore for each instalment of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan, taking his combined fee for the planned two-part film to around Rs 150 crore. If the reported figure is accurate, Kapoor would command one of the highest fees associated with an actor playing Lord Ram on screen. His reported remuneration has also renewed interest in what actors who previously portrayed Ram, including Arun Govil, Gurmeet Choudhary, Ashish Sharma and Prabhas, were said to have earned for their respective projects.
Arun Govil became synonymous with Ram
Arun Govil’s portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series Ramayan remains one of the most remembered performances associated with the character. According to reports, Govil was paid approximately Rs 40 lakh for the entire series, a substantial amount for a television actor at the time.
The role went on to become closely associated with Govil’s public image. Even decades after the series first aired, his portrayal continues to be remembered by audiences. His association with the character has also given him a unique place in Indian television history.
Gurmeet Choudhary was paid per episode
When Ramayan returned to television in a new version in 2008, Gurmeet Choudhary was chosen to play Lord Ram. He was relatively new to the industry when he took on the role.
Reports have stated that Choudhary initially received between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000 per episode. His reported remuneration later increased to around Rs 1 lakh per episode. With the series running for approximately 300 episodes, reports estimated his overall earnings from the show at around Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore.
Ashish Sharma played Ram in Siya Ke Ram
Ashish Sharma took on the role in Siya Ke Ram, which premiered in 2015. By that stage, Sharma had established himself as a television actor and had also won the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
According to television trade reports cited in the original report, Sharma was paid between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.25 lakh per episode for the role. The series ran for 304 episodes, resulting in a reported total remuneration of roughly Rs 3 crore to Rs 3.5 crore.
Prabhas portrayed Raghav in Adipurush
In 2023, Prabhas played Raghav, a character based on Lord Ram, in Om Raut’s Adipurush. Reports at the time claimed that the actor received around Rs 100 crore for the film.
The movie generated considerable discussion after its theatrical release, but its box-office performance fell short of expectations. The film also received a mixed response from audiences and critics, with its visual presentation and adaptation becoming subjects of debate.
Ranbir Kapoor’s reported fee stands apart
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan is being developed as a two-part cinematic adaptation, with Ranbir Kapoor set to portray Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Yash is playing Ravana, while Sunny Deol has been cast as Hanuman.
The reported Rs 75 crore fee for each part would put Kapoor’s combined remuneration at approximately Rs 150 crore, assuming the reported figures and two-film structure remain unchanged. That would place him above the reported fees associated with earlier screen portrayals of Ram, although celebrity remuneration figures are often based on media and industry reports rather than officially disclosed contracts.