New Delhi: While people all over India mark Hanuman Jayanti on April 2, there’s a fun bit of TV history coming back into the spotlight. Dara Singh, the famous actor and wrestler, almost turned down the role of Lord Hanuman, a part that would define his career and become a major part of Indian pop culture.
Dara Singh famously played Hanuman in Ramayan, created by Ramanand Sagar. The series ran between 1987 and 1988 and quickly became a national phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers every Sunday morning.
However, according to Dara Singh’s son Vindu Dara Singh, the veteran star was initially hesitant to take up the role. In an exclusive conversation with News9Live, Vindu recalled how his father believed he was too old to portray the revered character.
Dara Singh felt too old to play Hanuman
“I got a call from Jyoti Sagar. He told us that Papaji (Ramanand Sagar) had called us to meet him at 5pm. He is insisting on making Ramayan with Dara Singh ji as Hanuman,” Vindu said.
Dara Singh had earlier played the character in the 1974 film Jai Bajrangbali, but he had not returned to similar roles for many years. By the time Sagar approached him for Ramayan, the actor felt he might not suit the part anymore.
“Dad did the film Jai Bajrangbali in 1974. After that he didn’t play any such character. He felt that he was very old to play Hanuman ji. He told me to tell Sagar Sahab to cast somebody younger,” Vindu shared.
Despite his doubts, Dara Singh eventually met the filmmaker. According to Vindu, the conversation that followed changed everything.
“Papaji said, ‘Dara, get ready!’ Dad said, ‘Sagar Sahab, please cast someone else. I’m getting older now. I won’t look good as Hanuman ji.’ Papaji said, ‘Will you reject God’s offer?’ Dad and I looked at each other, puzzled. Papaji said, ‘God showed me in my dream that you were Hanuman. We can’t change it now.’”
Ramanand Sagar reportedly encouraged Dara Singh to start training again and promised he would be the highest-paid actor in the cast.
Eventually, Dara Singh accepted the role and began preparing physically for the demanding part. When the series aired, it became one of the most watched shows in Indian television history. His portrayal of Hanuman, marked by strength, humility and devotion, set a benchmark that many fans still remember today.