Even after nearly four decades since its original broadcast in 1987, the cultural impact of Ramanand Sagar’s television masterpiece Ramayan remains unmatched. The grand casting, flawless storytelling, and deep emotional resonance shattered broadcasting records worldwide—a feat repeated during its historic re-telecast in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Arun Govil and Deepika Chikhalia became the definitive faces of Lord Ram and Mata Sita, wrestling legend and actor Dara Singh permanently etched his name into history as Lord Hanuman.

However, bringing the gentle giant on board for the series was one of the director's biggest casting challenges. Remarkably, Dara Singh had already achieved stardom as the monkey god eleven years prior, making him deeply hesitant to pick up the mace again. Here is the untold story of how Ramanand Sagar convinced a reluctant icon to make history.

1. The Legacy: Dara Singh’s 11-Year-Old Secret

Long before television networks even conceptualized long-form mythological serials, Dara Singh had already immortalized the character of Bajrangbali on the silver screen.

In 1976—exactly eleven years before the Ramayan serial made its television debut—he starred as the lead in the massive Bollywood mythological feature film Bajrangbali. His portrayal was a box-office sensation, establishing his physical form as the blueprint for how the public visualized the deity.

2. The Turning Point: The Age and Action Dilemma

When Ramanand Sagar approached him in the mid-1980s to reprise the character for the television adaptation, Dara Singh’s immediate reaction was a polite refusal.

• The Age Factor: The actor was nearly 60 years old at the time.

• The Physical Strain: Having spent decades in grueling professional wrestling rings and demanding film sets, he felt his body was no longer suited for the heavy prosthetic makeup, high-wire stunts, and intense action sequences required for an episodic television schedule.

• The Artistic Stance: He firmly believed that a younger, more agile actor should be given the opportunity to embody the physical vigor of the character.

3. The Convincing: "Nobody Else Fits the Throne"

Ramanand Sagar, however, flatly refused to look at any other actor. For him, the casting wasn't just about physical agility; it was about commanding a larger-than-life screen presence that carried natural gravitas, humility, and power.

The Director’s Ultimate Argument: Ramanand Sagar personally sat down with the veteran actor and put his doubts to rest. He emphasized that the Indian audience had already accepted Dara Singh's majestic persona as the definitive representation of Hanuman's unmatched strength and devotion. He famously convinced him by stating that no other actor in the industry possessed the towering aura required to do absolute justice to the character.

Moved by the director's unshakeable faith and vision, Dara Singh finally relented, stepping onto the set to deliver a performance that generations of viewers continue to revere.

At a Glance: The Evolution of television's Greatest Epic

Fan Guide: How to Watch Classic Mythological Masterpieces Today

Following the astronomical success of Ramayan, Ramanand Sagar went on to create Krishna, which mirrored the exact same level of devotion and viewer engagement. If you are looking to revisit these golden eras of Indian television, follow these official access routes: