Arun Govil & Sunil Lahri were not the first choice for 'Ramayan'? Read interesting facts

re-run of famous serial of 80s', Ramayan, amid lockdown, has garnered much love from audience. In past couple of weeks, le actors, including Dipika Chikhlia and Sunil Lahri opened up about behind--scene efforts of crew. y revealed many unkwn facts associated with series. Here are a few more to join list of lesser-kwn facts about Ramanand Sagar's serial that might leave you surprised. 

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Lesser-kwn facts about Ramayan

le cast was never first choice

Reportedly, Arun Govil, who played Lord Ram in series, failed at audition. A few reports have quoted him saying that after his photoshoot in look of Lord Ram, makers rejected him because he did t fit into character. Later, his smile ded simplicity to character and convinced makers to sign him. 
It is also reported that character of Lakshman was initially offered to Shashi Puri and Sanjay Jog. But due to some reasons, y declined offer and played Shatrughan and Bharat respectively. Sunil Lahri was supposed to play Shatrughan's character but ended up bagging Lakshman's role. 

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shoot

It is reported that most of sequence of series has been shot at Umergaon, Gujarat. It is at four hours distance from Mumbai. entire show was shot within 550 days. Interestingly, it is reported that crew took around 15 days to shoot first episode. Reportedly, series was extended thrice due to its popularity. Ramayan was also considered as a trendsetter as several mythological series was crafted after successful run of Ramayan. 

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records

Reportedly, Ramayan was considered as most expensive TV show produced during that time. A few reports state that Ramayan h entered Limca Book of Records as most-watched mythological series. Also, Ramayan was telecast in 55 different countries. 

Or interesting trivia about show

• In a recent media interaction, Ramanmn Sagar's son Prem Sagar revealed that director never wanted to shoot Luv-Kush episode. But after receiving a request call from PMO office, he decided to d Uttar Ramayan. 
• Interestingly, characters of Maharaj Dashratha and Rani Kaushalya essayed by Bal Dhuri and Jayshree Gkar are married in real life. 
• Dara Singh who played role of Lord Hanuman in show has played a cameo role of Hanuman in B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat.

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