Ramayana Part 1: Lara Dutta calls Kaikeyi ‘the most understood women in history’; says she is “a woman who changed the course of history”
As Ramayana: Part 1 arrived in theatres on November 5, Lara Dutta marked the occasion with an emotional note reflecting on her experience of being part of the ambitious mythological drama. The actress, who essays Kaikeyi, the third wife of King Dashrath and mother of Bharat, spoke about the responsibility of portraying a character she described as one of the most misunderstood women in history.
Sharing her thoughts on the film’s release day, Lara recalled that being part of a story larger than oneself had been a long-standing wish. She wrote, “What began many years ago as a fervent wish… to be a part of something greater than oneself. Greater than the collective. Something that transcends time itself… something woven into the very fabric of our being. And today, that wish finds its place in a story as timeless as eternity.”
The actress also reflected on the complexities of Kaikeyi, emphasising that she wanted to bring out the character’s humanity rather than simply rely on perceptions that have shaped her portrayal over generations. She said, “What an extraordinary privilege to portray a mother who has perhaps been one of the most misunderstood women in history. To be entrusted with the responsibility of bringing alive her humanity… her angst, her vulnerabilities, her guilt and her remorse. A woman who changed the course of history. Or perhaps, one could say, set it upon the path it was always destined to take.”
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Lara added, “I am humbled. I am deeply grateful. Today, this divine story comes to you. And I hope, in my own small way, I will do justice to Mata Kaikeyi. That you will look beyond the perceptions of centuries and embrace her for the pivotal role she played in bringing a divine prophecy to fruition. Jai Shree Ram.”
She also thanked director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra for trusting her with the role, while acknowledging the film’s cast and crew. In a particularly personal moment, Lara mentioned missing her father and wishing he could have witnessed the milestone with her.
View this post on Instagram
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. Arun Govil plays King Dashrath, while Adinath Kothare portrays Bharat. Mounted by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the film is the first instalment of a planned two-part adaptation of the epic. It also features an original score by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.
The post Ramayana Part 1: Lara Dutta calls Kaikeyi ‘the most understood women in history’; says she is “a woman who changed the course of history” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.