Sheeba Chaddha is set to play the pivotal role of Manthara in Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited mythological epic Ramayana. The actress recently opened up about her character and revealed that she did not undertake extensive preparation for the role, choosing instead to approach Manthara as she isdepicted in the epic.
Sheeba Chaddha on playing Manthara in ‘Ramayana’
In the upcoming two-part franchise, Sheeba Chaddha will portray Manthara, Queen Kaikeyi’s confidante whose influence plays a crucial role in Lord Ram’s 14-year exile. Speaking about her approach to the character, the actress said she did not feel the need to create a backstory or reinterpret the role.“I did not do any preface. This role is what it is. Everybody knows the story of ‘Ramayana’, knows the character of Manthara. That’s the character, I believe,” she told Moneycontrol.
Sheeba Chaddha reveals she did not undergo extensive prep for Manthara
Sheeba also spoke about how she prepared for the role, admitting that Manthara did not require the kind of extensive groundwork she might undertake for other characters. According to the actress, she chose to rely on the character as it exists within the Ramayana rather than adding her own interpretation to it.“So there was no real prep in that. That’s not how I work only. So then, but it’s great to be a part of that big universe and happy to be a part of the film,” she said.The actress also expressed her excitement about being part of the ambitious project, which is among the most anticipated mythological films in Indian cinema.
More about Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is planned as a two-part mythological franchise. The first instalment is scheduled to release in India on November 8, 2026, around Diwali, while the second part is expected to arrive in 2027.The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The ensemble cast also includes Sheeba Chaddha, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor, Arun Govil and Rakul Preet Singh.Produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film has reportedly been mounted on a budget of around Rs 4,000 crore.
