Mumbai, Sep 26 (PTI) In a cross-cultural moment, popular American YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, surprised the audiences on Saturday by chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ at a promotional event of the upcoming film “Ramayana”.
“Ramayana”, an ambitious adaptation of the Indian epic, features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, south actors Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film is helmed by Nitesh Tiwari of “Dangal” fame.
When an audience member shouted, ‘Jai Shri Ram, MrBeast’, Kapoor helped the digital creator to repeat the chant. To everyone’s delight, MrBeast said, ‘Jai Shri Ram’.
“It’s been a lot of fun and it is amazing to see part of the film (referring to the trailer of the film), looks phenomenal,” MrBeast said.
The YouTuber was initially scheduled to interact with the “Ramayana” team, including Kapoor, Pallavi and Tiwari, among others, but the interaction did not take place. The event, which was scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm, eventually commenced at around 5 pm.
Producer Namit Malhotra apologised for the delay, saying there were “logistics beyond our control”.
Talking about the significance of “Ramayana”, Kapoor said the epic and its central character of Lord Ram are “deeply etched in the subconscious of every Indian.”
“Lord Ram is someone who never tried to be hero, he is known as Maryada Purshottam, which symbolises that he is an ideal man. He is born as a Prince; he could’ve had everything but he sacrificed everything to fulfil his father’s promise and for his duties,” the Bollywood star said.
“There’s a word called dharma in our culture, which means duty, commitment to your duties. He is all a perfect man. I hope through this film you can have introduction to our culture, and history and where it all began from,” he said to MrBeast.
Producer Namit Malhotra said “Ramayana” explores the idea that material possessions do not necessarily translate into fulfilment.
“‘Ramayana’ shows you that by giving up everything you still have a lot and on the other side, he (Ravana) is alone despite having everything. This is the philosophy of Indian culture and something we all believe in,” Malhotra said.
Actor Ravi Dubey, who plays the role of Lakshman, expressed excitement about the film’s release.
“Through all the efforts of Nitesh sir and Namit sir, you are witnessing our culture and heritage. I hope you take a lot back with you in the States. We are 40 days away from the release of the film and I hope your wishes and prayers are with us,” he said.
“Ramayana: Part One” is scheduled to release during Diwali 2026. PTI KKP KRK
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