Anupam Kher visits Ayodhya, seeks blessings ahead of 'Shri Ram Bhoomi'
Synopsis
Anupam Kher's Ayodhya visit wasn't just a spiritual detour — it was preparation. Seeking blessings from the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust's president while preparing to portray Ashok Singhal on screen, Kher is stepping into one of Bollywood's most politically and culturally charged biopics, produced by Zee Studios and directed by the maker of 'The Kerala Story'.
Key Takeaways
Anupam Kher visited Ayodhya on 13 July and shared videos and photographs from the trip on social media.
He sought blessings from Nritya Gopal Das Maharaj , President of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust .
Kher plays the role of Ashok Singhal in the upcoming film 'Shri Ram Bhoomi' .
The film is produced by Zee Studios and directed by Kamakhaya Narayan Singh , known for 'The Kerala Story' . 'Shri Ram Bhoomi' will chronicle the decades-long journey behind the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh .
Veteran actor Anupam Kher visited Ayodhya ahead of his upcoming film 'Shri Ram Bhoomi', in which he plays the role of Ashok Singhal, and described the city as far more than a pilgrimage destination — calling it a place where every lane carries a story and every face reflects unwavering faith. Kher shared his experience on social media on 13 July, posting a series of videos and photographs from the visit.
Blessings from the Trust President
During his visit, Kher sought the blessings of Nritya Gopal Das Maharaj, President of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Writing in Hindi, Kher noted that Das Maharaj has dedicated his entire life to the service of Lord Shri Ram and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. 'The more I learned about his life and work, the deeper my reverence and admiration grew,' Kher wrote, in a translation of his post.
What Kher Said About Ayodhya
Kher described the city's atmosphere as one of quiet transformation. 'The moment you arrive here, your mind finds peace. An indescribable sense of calm settles within, as if the soul has finally found its way home after a long journey,' he wrote. He added that Ayodhya offers 'not just divine darshan, but also renewed energy, deeper faith, and profound inner peace.'
Notably, Kher emphasised that the city's significance extends well beyond its temples. 'Every lane has its own story, every corner carries its own history, and every face reflects unwavering faith,' he observed — a sentiment that aligns with the thematic scope of the film he is preparing to shoot.
About 'Shri Ram Bhoomi'
The film 'Shri Ram Bhoomi' is based on the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, and will explore the decades-long journey associated with the temple and the events surrounding it. The project is produced by Zee Studios and directed by Kamakhaya Narayan Singh, who has previously helmed 'The Kerala Story', '2 Bhor', and 'Timeless Tamil Nadu'.
Context and Significance
Kher's visit comes as the Ram Mandir — consecrated in January 2024 — continues to draw prominent cultural and public figures. The film marks one of the first major Bollywood productions to dramatise the temple's construction and the movement behind it, with Kher portraying Ashok Singhal, the late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader widely regarded as a central figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign. The casting underscores the production's intent to anchor itself in historical authenticity.
Point of View
Making it less a creative risk and more a calculated bet by Zee Studios on faith-based cinema's proven box-office pull. Casting Kher as Ashok Singhal — a figure revered in certain political circles but contested in others — signals that the film intends to be reverential rather than interrogative. Whether it finds the dramatic tension to transcend hagiography will determine if it reaches beyond its core audience. The Kerala Story director's involvement suggests the production is comfortable courting both devotion and controversy.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the film 'Shri Ram Bhoomi' about?
'Shri Ram Bhoomi' is an upcoming Bollywood film based on the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, chronicling the decades-long movement and events surrounding the temple. It is produced by Zee Studios and directed by Kamakhaya Narayan Singh.
Who does Anupam Kher play in 'Shri Ram Bhoomi'?
Anupam Kher plays the role of Ashok Singhal, the late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader widely regarded as a central figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. The casting is central to the film's claim to historical grounding.
Why did Anupam Kher visit Ayodhya?
Kher visited Ayodhya ahead of the production of 'Shri Ram Bhoomi' and sought blessings from Nritya Gopal Das Maharaj, President of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He described the visit as a deeply spiritual experience.
Who is directing 'Shri Ram Bhoomi'?
The film is directed by Kamakhaya Narayan Singh, known for directing 'The Kerala Story', '2 Bhor', and 'Timeless Tamil Nadu'. It is produced by Zee Studios.
Who is Nritya Gopal Das Maharaj?
Nritya Gopal Das Maharaj is the President of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body overseeing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He is regarded as having dedicated his life to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
