Singer Chinmayi Sripada has voiced her support for actor Ranbir Kapoor amidst the controversy surrounding his casting as Lord Rama in the upcoming film “Ramayana.” The debate reignited when an old comment by Kapoor about eating beef resurfaced on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This has led to public scrutiny over his suitability for the role of a revered Hindu deity.

The controversy stems from a statement made by Kapoor in 2011 during the promotion of his film “Rockstar,” where he expressed his fondness for beef, attributing it to his family’s Peshawari roots. This remark has been brought back into the spotlight, causing a stir among netizens who question Bollywood’s decision to cast him in such a significant role.

In response to the backlash, Chinmayi re-shared a tweet criticizing Kapoor’s casting, which read, “Beef Eater will be playing the role of Bhagavan Ram now! What’s wrong with Bollywood?” Chinmayi countered this sentiment by highlighting societal double standards, pointing out that individuals who misuse religious authority for personal gain face less scrutiny than someone’s dietary choices. She emphasized that the focus should be on more pressing issues rather than an actor’s personal preferences.

The film “Ramayana,” directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is an ambitious project that aims to bring the epic tale of good versus evil to a global audience. The movie features an ensemble cast including Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Scheduled for release in two parts during Diwali 2026 and 2027, the film promises a grand cinematic experience with music by renowned composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. The production design is managed by teams known for their work on blockbuster films like “Dune” and “Captain America,” under the production of Namit Malhotra.

This controversy highlights ongoing discussions about cultural representation and authenticity in cinema, especially when adapting stories deeply rooted in spiritual traditions.