Rakul Preet Singh on playing Surpanakha in Ramayana 2026
Synopsis
Rakul Preet Singh isn’t playing Surpanakha as a villain — she’s playing her as a woman with a past. The actress says the script revealed sides of Ravana’s sister she had never encountered, from her life before the infamous mutilation to her first meeting with Ram. With Ramayana Part 1 arriving on 6 November 2026, this could be one of the year’s most talked-about mythological performances.
Key Takeaways
Rakul Preet Singh plays Surpanakha , sister of Ravana , in 'Ramayana: Part 1' .
She was drawn to the role by the character’s psychological layers and an unexplored backstory in the script.
The script covers Surpanakha’s life before and after Lakshman cuts off her nose — including her first encounter with Ram .
The film also stars Ranbir Kapoor , Sai Pallavi , Yash , Sunny Deol , and Ravi Dubey . 'Ramayana: Part 1' is set for a theatrical release on 6 November 2026 .
Actress Rakul Preet Singh has opened up about her decision to take on the role of Surpanakha in the upcoming mythological epic 'Ramayana: Part 1', set to release on 6 November 2026. The actress, who portrays Ravana's sister in the film, says the character's layered complexity and unexplored backstory were the primary draws.
What drew Rakul to the role
Speaking about her character, Rakul said, “Every few years, you see a different interpretation and presentation of these characters, while keeping the essence rooted in the original text. As an actor, you only look at a character from that lens, that it’s a character that has layers, that has the possibility and ability to shine through the film.”
She noted that Surpanakha was “apparently the most beautiful woman of Lanka” and that, beyond her ego and antagonistic reputation, the character offered rich dramatic territory. “As an actor, it’s fun to explore those layers,” she added.
A side of Surpanakha rarely told
Rakul revealed that the script introduced her to aspects of Surpanakha’s life she had not previously encountered. “There was a lot about her that I didn’t know. When I read the script, there was a lot about her life before and after that incident where her nose is chopped off by Lakshman,” she said.
She added that the narrative around how Surpanakha first encounters Ram was particularly compelling. “What happens in Surpanakha’s life and how does she meet, stumble upon Ram — there’s a lot which I didn’t know, which for me was new when I read the script, and which is why I liked it.”
The ensemble and release
The film features a high-profile cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, Yash, and Sunny Deol. 'Ramayana: Part 1' is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 6 November 2026, positioning itself as one of the most anticipated mythological productions in recent Indian cinema.
The broader significance
Rakul’s portrayal is notable in the context of a growing trend in Indian storytelling — revisiting mythological antagonists with greater psychological depth. Surpanakha has traditionally been reduced to a plot device in mainstream retellings, making this interpretation, if executed well, a potential turning point for how female characters from the Ramayana are depicted on screen. This comes amid renewed audience appetite for large-scale mythological epics following the success of recent productions in the genre.
Point of View
Reduced to a moment of humiliation rather than a fully drawn figure. If the script delivers on what Rakul describes — a woman with a life, motivations, and agency before and after that pivotal scene — it could shift how mythological antagonists, particularly women, are written in Indian cinema. The real test will be screen time and narrative weight, not just casting intent.
NationPress
27 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rakul Preet Singh agree to play Surpanakha in Ramayana?
Rakul Preet Singh said she was drawn to the role because of the character’s complexity and an unexplored backstory in the script. She found it compelling that Surpanakha was depicted as a layered figure — described as the most beautiful woman of Lanka — rather than a one-dimensional antagonist.
What new aspects of Surpanakha does the film explore?
According to Rakul, the script covers Surpanakha’s life both before and after the incident in which Lakshman cuts off her nose, including the circumstances of her first encounter with Ram. She said much of this was new to her when she read the script.
When does Ramayana Part 1 release?
'Ramayana: Part 1' is scheduled for a theatrical release on 6 November 2026.
Who else is in the cast of Ramayana Part 1?
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, Yash, and Sunny Deol, alongside Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha.
How is this portrayal of Surpanakha different from earlier versions?
Rakul has indicated that this interpretation goes beyond the conventional depiction of Surpanakha as a villain, exploring her inner life, motivations, and experiences surrounding the key episodes of the Ramayana — while keeping the essence rooted in the original text.
