Actor Karan Jotwani has revealed he was shortlisted for the role of Lakshman in director Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious mythological epic 'Ramayana', sharing a throwback from his look test on the film's set in October 2022. The actor, known for his role in 'Bebaakee', took to Instagram to offer fans a glimpse into his brief but significant association with the project, calling it a defining experience despite not landing the part.

The Look Test That Left a Mark

Jotwani recalled undergoing a costume trial on the film's set, an experience he described as immersive and eye-opening. 'Looktest while Shortlisted for Laxman ji's character, a costume trial on set, made me realise the magical realm the team of Ramayana was creating to get sunk into, as we watch it unfurl today,' he wrote in his Instagram post.

He noted that the audition process went beyond a mere screen test — the conversations during the look test helped him grow as an actor and reinforced his belief in pursuing opportunities with full dedication, regardless of the outcome. The actor described it as a powerful experience that gave him an early window into the scale and vision the team was building.

Praise for Ravi Dubey and the Cast

While Karan Jotwani did not ultimately play the role, he has expressed genuine happiness at seeing the film come to life. He extended warm wishes to Ravi Dubey, who portrays Lakshman in the film, writing: 'Grateful to see it come to life with the finest cast, Ravi Bhai, hearing unreal things with how you've brought so much life to Laxman ji's character. Love and admiration from TV days.'

Jotwani also called Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Rama in the film, his all-time favourite, expressing admiration for the star's warmth and generosity. He signed off by congratulating director Nitesh Tiwari along with the entire cast and crew, urging audiences to watch what he called a 'spectacle.'

Ramayana: Part 1 — The Film and Its Cast

'Ramayana: Part 1' was released worldwide on 5 November. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Yash portrays the antagonist Ravana, with Raghav Malhotra playing the younger version of the character. Sunny Deol makes a special cameo appearance as Hanuman.

The release has generated considerable buzz, with early reactions praising the scale of production and the performances, particularly Ravi Dubey's portrayal of Lakshman — the very role Jotwani had once been in contention for.

What Jotwani's Post Reveals About Bollywood Auditions

Jotwani's candid disclosure sheds light on the often unseen, deeply competitive process behind big-ticket Bollywood productions. Actors undergo multiple rounds of look tests and costume trials before the final cast is locked, and several talented performers miss out on roles that could redefine their careers. His graceful acknowledgement of the process — and his praise for the eventual cast — has drawn appreciation from fans and industry observers alike. This comes amid growing interest in behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most anticipated Indian films in recent years.