Ravan has remained one of Indian mythology’s most fascinating characters, portrayed as a powerful ruler, a formidable warrior and a learned scholar whose pride ultimately led to his downfall. Over the decades, Indian cinema and television have revisited the character through different interpretations, with actors bringing their own style, intensity and screen presence to the role.
Now, Kannada superstar Yash is set to take on the role in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. From legendary performers in mythological cinema to television stars and contemporary Bollywood actors, here are eight actors who played Ravan before Yash.
Arvind Trivedi
For many Indian viewers, Arvind Trivedi remains the definitive screen Ravan. The actor played the character in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series Ramayan, which first aired in 1987. With his commanding voice, dramatic expressions and powerful dialogue delivery, Trivedi gave Ravan an imposing presence. His performance captured the character’s arrogance, intelligence and immense pride, making him one of the most recognisable faces associated with the epic. Even decades after the series aired, his portrayal continues to be a benchmark for actors taking on the role.
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NT Rama Rao
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, popularly known as NTR, was one of Telugu cinema’s most celebrated actors in mythological roles. He portrayed Ravan in the 1961 film Seeta Rama Kalyanam, which he also directed. NTR brought grandeur and authority to the character, drawing on his experience playing figures from Indian mythology. His performance reflected the style of classic mythological cinema, where expressive acting, elaborate costumes and powerful dialogue delivery were central to storytelling.
SV Ranga Rao
S V Ranga Rao was another celebrated performer who brought Ravan to life in Telugu cinema. He portrayed the character in Sampoorna Ramayanam (1971). Known for his imposing screen presence and expressive acting, Ranga Rao gave the mythological king a sense of authority and dramatic weight. His portrayal reflected Ravan’s status as a formidable ruler while bringing out the character’s intelligence and pride.
Akhilendra Mishra
Akhilendra Mishra took on the role of Ravan in the television series Ramayan, which aired in 2008 and featured Gurmeet Choudhary as Lord Ram and Debina Bonnerjee as Sita. Mishra’s performance emphasised Ravan’s power, ambition and formidable personality. His expressive acting and imposing appearance helped establish the character as a major presence in the series. The show introduced the epic to a new generation of television viewers, and Mishra’s portrayal became one of the memorable interpretations of Ravan in the modern television era.
Shalin Bhanot
Actor Shalin Bhanot portrayed Ravan in the 2019 television series Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush. The show explored the Ramayana through the story of Lord Ram and Sita’s sons, Luv and Kush. Bhanot brought a dramatic screen presence to the character, portraying the king of Lanka as a powerful and ambitious figure. His performance added another interpretation to the long line of actors who have played Ravan on Indian television.
Karthik Jayaram
Kannada actor Karthik Jayaram, popularly known as JK, played Ravan in the television series Siya Ke Ram, which aired from 2015 to 2016. The show presented the Ramayana largely through Sita’s perspective, offering a different narrative approach to the familiar epic. Jayaram portrayed Ravan as an influential ruler whose strength and ambition were central to the story.
Nikitin Dheer
Known for his tall frame and commanding screen presence, Nikitin Dheer played Ravan in the television series Shrimad Ramayan. Dheer’s physical appearance made him a natural fit for the imposing mythological ruler. His portrayal highlighted Ravan’s authority and formidable personality, bringing the character to a new generation of viewers.
Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan portrayed Lankesh, the character inspired by Ravan, in Om Raut’s Adipurush (2023). The film starred Prabhas as Raghava, a character based on Lord Ram, and Kriti Sanon as Janaki, inspired by Sita. Unlike the traditional depictions of Ravan in mythological television, Saif’s character featured a more contemporary visual design, with dark costumes, a beard and a distinctive appearance. The portrayal sparked considerable discussion among audiences, particularly over the film’s interpretation of the epic’s characters.
